Otitis Externa: understanding Swimmer's Ear in adults
As an experienced Audiologist, it is important to educate the public on various ear conditions and how they can affect hearing health. One common condition is Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear. Otitis externa is an infection of the external ear canal, and can cause pain, itching, and discharge. While it is most common in children, adults can also be affected by this condition, especially those who spend a lot of time in the water.
Otitis externa is caused by bacteria or fungi that infect the ear canal. This condition can be triggered by a number of factors, including:
Swimming or other water activities: Prolonged exposure to water can soften the skin in the ear canal, making it easier for bacteria or fungi to infect the area.
Cleaning the ear canal: Using cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects to clean the ear canal can push bacteria or debris further into the ear, increasing the risk of infection.
Skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions that affect the ear canal can increase the risk of otitis externa.
Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to certain substances, such as hair products, can cause inflammation in the ear canal, increasing the risk of infection.
Trauma to the ear: Trauma to the ear, such as a scratch or a foreign object lodged in the ear, can increase the risk of otitis externa.
If you suspect that you have otitis externa, it is important to see an experienced Audiologist, GP or ENT specialist as soon as possible. They will examine your ear and may take a swab of the discharge for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the infection.
Treatment for otitis externa typically involves the use of antibiotic or antifungal ear drops. In some cases, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. It is important to follow your health professionals instructions for using the ear drops, and to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is completely treated.
In some cases, removing any foreign objects from the ear canal, such as impacted wax, can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent further infection. Your Audiologist may also suggest wearing earplugs while swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal.
With proper treatment, most cases of otitis externa can be successfully treated, and symptoms should resolve within a few days to a week. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to return to your Audiologist or doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
In severe cases, otitis externa can lead to a perforated eardrum or other complications, so it is important to seek prompt treatment to prevent long-term effects on your hearing health.
Otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, is a common ear condition that can affect adults as well as children. If you suspect that you have otitis externa, it is important to seek prompt treatment from an experienced Audiologist or a doctor. With proper treatment, most cases can be successfully treated and your hearing health can be preserved. To prevent the development of otitis externa, it is important to avoid cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs or other objects, and to protect your ears from prolonged exposure to water.
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