Why is it important to keep your ears dry? When summer sets in, most people shower often or go swimming to cool off. They also end up complaining later of severe earache. This earache may be due to an ear infection or due to earwax buildup and blockage. The ear infection can affect the middle ear as in the case of otitis media or it may affect the external ear canal as in the case of ear dermatitis or chronic otitis externa. In all these cases, immediate ENT treatment is recommended to prevent conductive hearing loss.
A renowned ENT hospital in
Coimbatore offers the best treatment for such ear ailments with its competent team of otolaryngologists.
Why should we keep our ears dry? We have often heard our mothers ask us to clean your ears well. This instruction has often been misunderstood and we end up pouring at least a bucket of water into our ear. What we should actually do is wipe our ears clean and dry and not to submerge them in water. What happens if the ear is wet? If the ear is wet, the ear canal is logged with the water. This water removes the protective ear wax in the ear. When the ear wax is gone, bacteria
or fungi creep in and breed. This causes ear infections earache and if left untreated, even conductive hearing loss. Several ear infections like ear dermatitis, otitis media and ear eczema may be caused duet to wet ears. That is why it is important to always keep our ears dry. What are the ear problems caused by not keeping the ears dry? 1. Dermatitis of the ear
The dermatitis of the external ear canal is clinically referred to as "Otitis Externa" and commonly as the "Swimmer's or Surfer's ear". It causes swelling and redness of the external ear. The symptoms of ear dermatitis range from itching of the ear canal, liquid or pus discharge, earache and even a temporary hearing loss. If immediate ENT treatment is taken, this condition is easily cured. If ignored, it might worsen to cause ear eczema or even conductive hearing loss. 2. Ear eczema
Untreated ear dermatitis caused by wet ears may lead to ear eczema. Ear eczema is characterized by reddishness, swelling, flaking and otorrhea or fluid discharge from the ear. Usually, swimmers are prone to ear eczema as they leave their ears wet without drying them out. This ear eczema can be painful and must be treated by an expert ENT specialist. If the eczema of the ear becomes infected by bacteria further, it may cause ear wax buildup and blockage, leading to temporary deafness. 3. Otitis Media
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear caused by not drying the ears properly after a swim or a shower. This inflammation of the middle ear may be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Aspergillus fungi, Pseudomonas bacteria and Herpes virus may cause this infection. All these pathogens breed in damp or moist areas and are caused by the wetness of the ears after bathing or swimming. Sometimes, a perforated ear or an immune disorder might also be the cause of otitis media.
Symptoms of otitis media range from swelling, redness, earache, fever, fluid discharge, vertigo or loss of body balance, and sometimes even conductive hearing loss. Since most of these symptoms resemble that of other medical conditions, it is wise to consult an expert ENT specialist to cure the same. There are 3 types of otitis media- acute otitis media, chronic suppurative otitis media and otitis media with effusion. All three conditions, if not treated properly, may lead to conductive hearing loss. That is why it is important to first diagnose what kind of otitis media the patient has. This is done efficiently at the ENT hospital in Coimbatore where expert ear doctors perform special tests to diagnose accurately. Apart from using the otoscope, Tympanometry is done to assess the type and extent of the infection. Otitis media treatment ranges from oral antibiotics and injections to even a mild surgical procedure called myringotomy for the most severe cases. Tips to keep your ears dry 1. Always keep your ears dry. Never pour water into your ear. It might cause the
removal of the protective ear wax. 2. Wipe the outer ear with a soft towel or tissue 3. Do not apply harsh soaps or chemical shampoos to clean the ears. 4. Never try to remove your ear wax by using cotton swabs or earbuds. It will only
push it further. 5. do not pour oil or lubricants into the ear to remove wax. Use a wax softener only if
recommended by the ENT doctor. 6. Use earplugs while showering or swimming.
Your ears are your greatest hearing assets. Protect them by keeping them always dry. Always consult a good ENT specialist in case of any ear ailment. People from all over India receive excellent ENT treatment in Coimbatore for their ear problems.