Snorkeling is fun, but post-snorkeling ear infections are more common than you might think. Fortunately, however, this is not a worrisome disease, and there are some great prevention methods that can save you on your next diving vacation.
About the ear infections
The ear infections that we’re talking about here are usually outer ear infections. The outer ear is made up of the pinna and the ear canal, the latter is the "dead angle structure" of the human body, similar to a narrow canal, with an average temperature of 36°C. The warm, humid and dark environment creates perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply. In other words, these microbes usually live in our ears.
The hot summer season is the peak time for outer ear infections, especially for some individuals who are prone to illness or those who engage in water sports. 90% of outer ear infections are caused by bacterial infections, while another 10% are caused by fungal infections or, even more rarely, viral infections.
However, maybe you do not know that, the earwax produced by the ear contains substances that allow the acidic coating to contain lysozyme and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. At the same time, these earwax are also rich in lipids and are hydrophobic or they are waterproof, preventing water from penetrating the skin and causing maceration. But what happens when we expose it to water for a long time? Earwax softens and falls off. In this way, the walls of the ear canal are exposed to pathogens. In addition, without the protection of earwax lipids, the cells are affected and allow the passage of bacteria and fungi that cause ear infections.
Many people believe that water pathogens cause otitis externa, but this is not entirely true. If we hadn't lost our natural protections, bacteria wouldn't have anything to do. Therefore, some divers and water sports people are more prone to ear infections simply because their ears are more susceptible to water.
What are the symptoms of an outer ear infection? It starts with redness and swelling of the ear, and the painful feeling is getting stronger, then there may be a dull hearing, pressure pain, possible itching, and a constant buzzing, which we call tinnitus. If we don't intervene in time, there's a good chance that it can go from mild inflammation to life-changing deafness.
What causes ear infections?
Usually, ear infections can be caused in a number of ways, both external and personal, some of which are related to snorkeling.
- Frequent exposure to water, excessive sweating, high humidity
People who like water sports are often exposed to water, especially in the hot summer, when the heat invites you into the water and the water enters your ears. Seawater entering the ear canal can cause irritation, and a humid environment is more likely to cause inflammation.
- Water contaminated with bacteria
Whether it's an ineffectively cleaned swimming pool or in a coastal area with a lot of tourist activity, there is often water that is contaminated with bacteria. Whatever the exact source, these bacteria can get into the ear canal of a swimmer or snorkeler, causing an infection.
- Mechanical or traumatic earwax removal
Our ear canals are easily damaged by objects such as paper towel and cotton swabs, and ear canal damage in any condition increases the likelihood of infection from snorkeling or swimming.
- Wet your ears repeatedly and then dry them
The tissue inside the ear swells when it gets wet, and then contracts when it dries. Repeatedly wetting the ear can cause the tissue to become inflamed, creating small spaces where water can become trapped. High temperatures and humidity promote bacterial growth and cause infection.
- There is a foreign body in the external auditory canal
Sore and itchy ears after getting in the water can be hard to resist, and you may be tempted to touch or rub your ears, but soaked skin can easily be damaged by nails or hard earplugs, increasing the risk of infection. No matter how your ears feel, sticking anything in your ear canal can make it worse.
- Personal Inner Factors
Common dermatitis caused by allergic reactions or irritation reactions, seborrheic dermatitis and some immune deficiencies.
How to prevent and avoid?
Prevention is the best way to solve the problem, and having an outer ear infection while on vacation means you have to give up diving!
- Seek professional help
If the individual's intrinsic factors already exist, it is necessary to seek professional help. Since topical factors such as dermatitis can cause severe exfoliation of the skin with dry skin lacking waxiness, prevention will mean the use of ear oils to build the missing lipid film. Drops can be used in the morning before diving or before swimming or after diving.
- Properly clean the ear canal
You must properly sanitize your ear canal to remove any buildup of wax or foreign objects. It's important to note, however, that there is no benefit to overly cleaning the ear canal; instead, it can be counterproductive, as constant rubbing of the thin skin of the external ear canal can cause micro-chafing, which "opens the door" for bacteria. Earwax doesn't come from external dirt, as many believe, but is a product of the wax glands in the external ear canal that protect the ear from this dreaded infection. See an ENT doctor for cleaning only if there is wax buildup.
- Consider using diving earmuffs
For those who are prone to outer ear infections who frequently dive, such as professional guides or instructors, in addition to topical prophylaxis, a face mask with ear muffs is recommended, as full coverage of the pinna and external auditory canal prevents exposure to water. Special snorkeling earmuffs or earplugs can reduce infection by restricting the flow of water into and out of the ear canal.
- Careful cleaning
When we come into contact with seawater or pool water, we need to wash the ear canal with clean running water, and then dry the outside of the ear with a soft towel to remove any residue of salt water or chlorine. Use head movements to assist in emptying the ears, tilting the head back and forth so that each ear is facing down, allowing the water to flow out of the ear canal. With the ear facing down, pull the earlobe in different directions to help drain the water.
If there is still water in the ear, consider using a hair dryer to remove the air from the ear canal. Never dry with cotton swabs or similar products. Then using drops that acidify and dry the outer ear canal can help. But don't use these drops if you have an ear tube, perforated ear drum, or ear drainage.
- Treatment
Drinking hot beverages, chewing gum, and sucking on sweets can also help clear your ears. But if you experience pain or your hearing does not return to normal within a few hours, consult a specialist immediately.
Our ears aren't designed to be submerged underwater for extended periods of time, and while they're mostly resilient, it's not uncommon to have problems with hearing that's muffled or feeling like it's stuck in water. If we put our ears in water for a long time, they can be sensitive and susceptible to infection.
How can we avoid this problem? When we swim and snorkel, we need to take some precautions in advance to protect them; after snorkeling, help them recover through some careful aftercare.