Feeling muffled or itchy ears after swimming? ... Do this instead of cotton swabs!

After the rainy season ended, the intense heat began. As the vacation season coincides with this period, pools, valleys, and the sea are already crowded with vacationers. If you're planning to enjoy water activities, you should pay special attention to your ear health. This is because you can be easily exposed to bacteria and viruses in the water.

The external auditory canal, which extends from the pinna to the eardrum, is located on the outer part of the ear and is prone to infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and external stimuli. The most common condition is 'otitis externa,' which, if left untreated, can lead to sleep disturbances and hearing loss, requiring active treatment.

Professor Kim Sang-hoon of the ENT Department at Kyunghee University Hospital said, "When water enters the ear during water play and water sports activities, the external auditory canal becomes moist, allowing various bacteria and fungi to proliferate and cause inflammation." He further advised, "If external otitis is left untreated, it can lead to sleep disturbances or difficulty eating, and hearing loss may occur, so active management is necessary."

After swimming, it is important to continuously check the external auditory canal and remove water from the ears to maintain cleanliness, even if there is no foreign sensation in the ears.

Stimulation using cotton swabs, ear picks, or fingers can actually worsen the symptoms.

It is good to naturally drain water by jumping in place or similar activities. Additionally, using a hairdryer to dry the inside of the ear is also an effective method.

Professor Kim said, "Otitis externa can be effectively treated by thoroughly disinfecting the ear canal and using painkillers along with antibiotics targeted at the causative bacteria." He also advised, "If symptoms appear after swimming, do not ignore them; it is recommended to visit a hospital and receive active treatment."