Swimmer’s ear is an extremely painful infection that can cause the ear to swell, produce discharge and become sensitive to touch.
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| Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash |
A common misconception is that this infection is only found in children. Although young swimmers are prone to fall victim to this outer ear canal infection, adults can also experience the effects of swimmer’s ear.
Luckily swimmer’s ear (Otitis Externa) is treatable. Ear drops are used to calm the inflammation and ibuprofen or paracetamol for the pain. However, it’s best to prevent the infection than battle against it, especially as it keeps you away from the water for a week or so.
The best form of prevention is swimming earplugs as they create a barrier against the water and stop it from entering the ear canal. There are two types of earplugs that will help you to protect your ears from Swimmer’s ear. They are silicone and reusable earplugs.
Silicone swimming earplugs
These earplugs are very easy to use and completely waterproof. They are like putty and can be moulded into shape. Unlike reusable earplugs, silicone earplugs are placed over the ear canal rather than inside.
What we recommend: The Mack’s Pillow Soft earplugs is the product we recommend and there is a kid’s size that is perfect for children under the age of six years. To ensure the earplug stays in the ear you can use an Ear Band-It, which is placed over the ear and held in position with a Velcro strap. Silicone earplugs should only be used five times or when they lose their stickiness as they can hold dirt and can cause an infection if they are overused.
How to insert:
To insert silicone earplugs mould one into a ball shape and simply press it over the ear canal.
Reusable Swimming Ear Plugs
These earplugs are very easy to use, durable and long-lasting. You can find reusable earplugs made from foam and silicone and are either mouldable or pre-moulded. With mouldable earplugs simply roll them into a cylinder shape.
What we recommend: If you’re looking for reusable earplugs we would recommend Mack’s Aqua Blocks, which are made of silicone. Their triple-flange design improves comfort and helps to ensure water is prevented from entering the ear canal.
How to insert: Reusable earplugs are easy to insert. With one hand reach over your head to pull up your ear; this will straighten the ear canal to make the earplugs easier to insert. With the other hand simply push the earplug into the ear canal.
Wearing these swimming earplugs will help you and your family prevent water from entering the ear canal and causing an infection. So swim to your heart’s content.
Prevent Swimmer’s Ear with Ear Plugs has been written by Earplugshop.com.
Richard
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