Swimmer’s ear risk in case of exposure to dirty water

Associate Professor Dr. Deniz Baklacı from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (ZBEÜ) shared important information about external ear canal infections that increase during the summer months. Baklacı drew attention to a condition known as swimmer’s ear.
Dr. Baklacı stated that there is an increase in external ear canal infections during the summer months. Emphasizing the importance of pool and sea water as well as frequent ear cleaning habits, Baklacı said, ‘The rates of external ear canal infections increase in the summer months. Among the reasons for this are activities such as more exposure to pool water, sea water, and frequent showering. In such cases, we are exposed to more moisture than the normal external ear canal moisture, creating an environment for microbes to multiply. This situation leads to an increase in external ear canal inflammations.’
‘Higher recurrence rate’
Baklacı expressed that frequent swimming and contact with dirty water increase the risk of infection. He said, ‘Especially with contact with dirty water, our external ear canal gains susceptibility to pathogens. In frequent swimmers, users of hearing aids, and those with external ear canal eczema, external ear canal infections can progress more severely. When these become chronic, a condition called swimmer’s ear occurs. This condition is more severe and requires longer treatment compared to regular external ear canal infections. The recurrence rate is higher.’
‘Expert assistance is essential’
Emphasizing the importance of seeking expert assistance in case of water or foreign objects entering the external ear canal, Baklacı said, ‘When water or a foreign object enters our external ear canal, it is not very possible to remove it without traumatizing or using our own methods. Therefore, it is necessary to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. It should be treated with more sterile conditions and more expert techniques. Otherwise, foreign objects can cause infection or if a foreign object causes trauma to the eardrum, it can enter the middle ear.’
‘We recommend protecting the patient from water during the treatment process’
Providing information about infection symptoms and the treatment process, Baklacı said, ‘In cases of external ear canal infections, symptoms generally include pain, ear discharge, itching in the ear, redness, and a feeling of fullness in the ear, prompting patients to visit our hospital. The treatment process involves applying antibiotics, pain relievers, and edema drops to the external ear canal, administering oral medications and supportive treatments in more severe cases. During this process, the patient should definitely avoid causing trauma to the external ear canal and we recommend protecting them from water.’
‘In environments where we will be exposed to dirty water, we must always plug our ears with earplugs’
Emphasizing the precautions to be taken to protect ear health, Baklacı said, ‘If we have been exposed to dirty water or will be in environments where we will be exposed to dirty water while engaging in water activities, we must always plug our ears with earplugs and avoid movements that may cause trauma.’