Swimmer's Ear and How Your Audiologist Can Help
Otherwise known as otitis externa, swimmer's ear is an ear infection that commonly affects swimmers. When water from a pool remains in the outer ear canal for a long time, it generates the conditions bacteria need to survive. You can develop this condition whether you swim regularly or sporadically. However, if you're a regular sufferer then you may want to learn more about how your audiologist could help you.
An Accurate Diagnosis
The easiest way to diagnose swimmer's ear is by using a tool called an otoscope. Otoscopes allow audiologists and other trained professionals to examine the conditions inside your ear. Upon looking in your ear, they may see signs of infection such as inflammation and pus in a particular area. They may also see redness and scaling on your outer ear canal. Having an accurate diagnosis allows an audiologist to either prescribe antibiotics or refer you to someone who can.
Prevention Techniques
If you swim regularly, you may already be trying techniques to keep water out of your ears. For example, wearing a cap or trying earplugs. However, a lack of bespoke options can leave you vulnerable to the condition still. If they're a poor fit, there's a chance that water will make its way in and leave you with an infection. Your audiologist can take a moulding of your ear to produce a more bespoke solution. When your earplugs fit better you're less likely to allow water in and generate an infection.
Hearing Tests
If you have suffered repeated bouts of swimmer's ear in the past, there's a chance that you've developed scar tissue. Too much scar tissue along your ear canal can cause it to narrow. Over time, this may result in side effects such as tinnitus or a reduction in your hearing. Your audiologist can perform a hearing test that assesses whether your infections have resulted in poor hearing. Depending on the outcome, they may be able to refer you to an ENT surgeon or provide you with hearing aids.
Treating Vertigo
In a small number of cases, those who experience swimmer's ear will experience vertigo as a side effect. Some audiologists have the training required to perform manoeuvres that make vertigo less severe. They can also look into whether there are any other causes of your vertigo. If they find that you're suffering from a condition other than swimmer's ear, they can provide the right treatments for resolving it.
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