What is Swimmer’s Ear? (Slideshow)
This week we talk about Swimmer’s Ear, an infection in the outer ear that happens when a person spends a lot of time in any kind of water.
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Slide 1: What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Slide 2: It is infection in the outer ear canal.
Slide 3: It is happens when moisture gets trapped in the ear, allowing bacteria to grow.
Slide 4: Some people develop Swimmer’s Ear after water activities such as: swimming in a pool, beach vacation, enjoying an onsen or taking a bath.
Slide 5: While other people get Swimmer’s Ear after putting Q-tips and small objects in their ears. This causes breaks in the skin and encourages bacteria growth.
Slide 6: Swimmer’s Ear usually starts off mild, (Slight itchiness, redness in ear canal and colorless discharge).
Slide 7: and may progress to become more severe. (Red, swollen outer ear, severe fever & pain, excessive fluid drainage, muffled hearing).
Slide 8: Swimmer’s Ear is treated with different ear drops such as steriod (anti-inflammatory), acidic solution (restore pH balance), antibiotic (fights bacteria) and anti fungal (fights fungus).
Slide 9: Or in more serious conditions, with oral or IV antibiotics.
Slide 10: How can I prevent Swimmer’s Ear?
Slide 11: Avoid scratching your ears or cleaning out earwax on your own.
Slide 12: Avoid swimming in water with high bacterial levels. Check: (1) NEA water quality guidelines, (2) Discharge pipes around the water (3) Water discoloration due to algae scum.
Slide 13: Dry your ears after swimming and bathing by: (1) Tilting your head to the side to help water drain from the ear. (2) Wipe outer ear gently with a soft towel or cloth.
Slide 14: Wear swim plugs to prevent water from entering ears. They come in 3 main foams, customised non-allergic swim plugs (best), silicone flange tip siwm plugs and mouldable putty swim plugs.
To find out more on Swimmer’s Ear or our Swimmer’s Ear preventing solutions, click contact us or click the link to see our customised non-allergic swim plug solutions.
