## Swimmer’s Ear: A Common Scuba Diving Hazard
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal. It is a common problem among scuba divers, as the warm, moist environment of the ear canal can provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
The symptoms of swimmer’s ear can include:
Pain in the ear
Itching
Drainage from the ear
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Dizziness
Causes of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is caused by the growth of bacteria in the outer ear canal. The bacteria can enter the ear through the ear canal or through a cut or abrasion on the skin. Risk factors for swimmer’s ear include:
Spending time in water
Wearing earplugs or headphones
Having a history of swimmer’s ear
Having a weakened immune system
Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is typically treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics may be taken orally or applied topically to the ear. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain the ear or remove infected tissue.
Prevention of Swimmer’s Ear
There are a number of things that scuba divers can do to prevent swimmer’s ear, including:
Keeping the ears dry. After swimming or diving, use a towel to dry the ears thoroughly.
Using earplugs. Earplugs can help to keep water out of the ears.
Avoiding wearing headphones. Headphones can create a warm, moist environment in the ears, which can promote the growth of bacteria.
Having a healthy immune system. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Swimmer’s ear is a common problem among scuba divers, but it can be prevented and treated. By following the tips above, scuba divers can help to reduce their risk of developing swimmer’s ear.
## Additional Tips for Preventing Swimmer’s Ear
In addition to the tips listed above, here are a few other things that scuba divers can do to prevent swimmer’s ear:
Use a swim cap. A swim cap can help to keep water out of the ears.
Rinse the ears with clean water after swimming or diving. This can help to remove any bacteria that may have entered the ears.
Use a vinegar solution to clean the ears. Vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help to prevent infections.
Avoid using cotton swabs to clean the ears. Cotton swabs can push bacteria deeper into the ear canal.
If you have a history of swimmer’s ear, see your doctor before you go swimming or diving. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent an infection.