Children and Swimming: How to Prevent Earwax Buildup and Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an infection in the outer ear canal that can cause discomfort and irritation, potentially dampening the joy of swimming. In this blog, we’ll discuss the prevention of earwax build-upand swimmer’s ear in children, and provide practical tips to maintain ear hygiene during swimming activities.

Importance of Swim Ear Hygiene for Children

Ensuring proper ear hygiene is essential, especially for children who are avid swimmers. The combination of water exposure and physical activity during swimming can create an environment for the accumulation of earwax and the development of infections.

Here’s why maintaining ear hygiene is crucial for these young swimmers-

1. Prevention of Infections- Regular cleaning of the ears helps prevent the accumulation of bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of ear infections such as swimmer’s ear.
2. Comfort and Enjoyment- Clean ears contribute to a comfortable swimming experience, allowing children to enjoy their time in the water without discomfort or irritation.
3. Hearing Health- Excessive earwax build-up can affect hearing, which is particularly important for children who are still developing language and communication skills.

How to Prevent Earwax Build-up to Avoid Swimmer’s Ear?

Here are some simple yet effective ways to prevent earwax build-up and reduce the risk of swimmer’s ear in children-

1. Keep Ears Dry- After swimming, ensure that your child’s ears are thoroughly dried using a soft towel. Tilt their head to each side to allow any excess water to drain out.
2. Use Earplugs- Invest in quality earplugs designed for swimming. These help prevent water from entering the ear canal, reducing the likelihood of ear infections.
3. Avoid Inserting Objects- Discourage your child from inserting cotton swabs or other objects into their ears, as this can push wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the risk of infection.
4. Regular Cleaning- Encourage your child to gently clean the outer part of their ears with a damp cloth or ear wipes to remove dirt and excess wax.
5. Consult a Professional- If you notice excessive earwax build-up or any signs of infection, consult with our team of professionals for guidance and appropriate treatment.

Tips for Preventing Swimmer’s Ear in Children

A few proactive measures can go a long way in preventing the discomfort of a swimmer’s ear in your child. Here are a few tips for preventing swimmer’s ear in kids–

1. Use Swim Ear Drops- Consider using swim ear drops after swimming to dry excess moisture in the ear canal and prevent infections.
2. Avoid Swimming in Contaminated Water- Encourage your child to swim in clean, chlorinated pools rather than natural bodies of water, which may harbour bacteria and other microorganisms.
3. Limit Time in Water- Prolonged exposure to water can increase the risk of a swimmer’s ear. Limit your child’s time in the water, especially in cold or dirty conditions.
4. Regular Ear Check-ups- Schedule regular check-ups with our professionals to monitor your child’s ear health and address any concerns promptly.

5 Tips for Preventing Ear Infections in Child Swimmers

Maintaining good ear hygiene is crucial for children who love to swim, but it’s not the only factor in preventing ear infections. Here are 5 additional tips to safeguard your child’s ears and minimise the risk of infections-

1. Maintain Good Hygiene- Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently, especially before touching their ears or face.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Items- Discourage your child from sharing towels, earphones, or other personal items that may harbour bacteria and contribute to ear infections.
3. Prompt Treatment of Colds and Allergies- Promptly treat colds, allergies, or other respiratory conditions to prevent them from progressing to ear infections.
4. Stay Up-to-date with Vaccinations- Ensure that your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date, as some diseases can lead to ear infections as a complication.
5. Educate Your Child- Teach your child about the importance of ear hygiene and how to recognise the signs of ear infections, such as ear pain, itching, or discharge.

Prevent Earwax Build-up with Village Pharmacy

Maintaining ear hygiene is essential for children who love to swim so that they can avoid swimmer’s ear.

One of the effective ways to keep ears safe from a swimmer’s ear is to prevent earwax buildup. So, book an appointmentwith us for earwax removal through ear microsuction and keep your child’s ears safe.