In this article, we take a look at how swimming might affect ear wax and what you can do about it.
It’s always important to take care of your ears. Cleansing is one step. But infection prevention and treatment are another. Making efforts to avoid unnecessary noise as well as keeping an eye out for potential hearing loss is also part of proper ear care. If you have concerns about any of these ear problems, you should contact your pharmacist or doctor. Keep reading to find out how to remove water in the ear after swimming, as well as combat earwax build up.
What is ear wax?
Cerumen, sometimes referred to as earwax, is a waxy material made by glands in your ear canal. It comprises dead skin cells, various debris, and secretions from the sebaceous and ceruminous glands. The protective role of earwax is to keep the ear canal clean, lubricated, and free from infections. Moreover, it helps in trapping dust, dirt, as well as other foreign particles to keep them out of the sensitive areas of the ear. The natural motion of the jaw during talking and chewing helps earwax to naturally exit the ear canal. But, if it builds up and becomes impacted, you may have to seek medical help.
Causes of ear wax build up
Cerumen impaction, another name for earwax build up, can happen when the normal earwax clearance process is hampered. The following are a few common reasons for earwax build up:
Excessive earwax production
There is a higher chance of build up in some people than in others due to differences in earwax production.
Narrow ear canals
Earwax can get stuck more easily if your ear canals are normally narrow.
Using hearing aids or earplugs
These tools can force earwax further into the ear canal, making removal more challenging.
Using Q-tip
Earwax can be pushed deeper into your ear canal by inserting objects such as cotton swabs inside, which can result in the canal becoming blocked.
Age
Our earwa
x gets harder and drier as we get older, which can make it more challenging to get out and more prone to become impacted.
How does swimming affect ear wax build up?
Swimming can occasionally cause earwax to accumulate, particularly if water is caught in the ear canal. Earwax can combine with water, becoming softer and harder to remove. Also, sweat from swimming may provide a warm, moist environment inside the ear canal that may favour the development of fungus and bacteria.
You should wear a swimming cap or earplugs to keep water out of your ears while swimming to reduce the risk of earwax build up.
Tips to prevent water in the ear while swimming
Here are some ideas for avoiding ear wax build up when swimming:
- Wear earplugs
- Use a swim cap
- After swimming, dry your ears
- Avoid putting stuff in your ears
- Do not swim in polluted water
When to visit a physician or an audiologist
If you are exhibiting signs of earwax build up, it is important that you visit a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or audiologist. Some indications that you may require medical care include:
- Ear pain
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Discharge or bleeding from your ear
It is essential that we take care of our ears for the sake of our overall well-being and the health of our hearing. Overlooking ear health can result in a number of problems, such as ear infections, hearing loss, and tinnitus, which can impact your quality of life. As a result, it’s critical to give ear care a top priority and to get medical help if you experience any problems with your hearing or ear health.
Visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch for more information and to get medical help. And you can find Ear Care products online here.
This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor
