Summertime Protection: Avoiding Swimmer's Ear & Airplane Ear

With summer comes many activities that involve ear pressure. While we enjoy watching our children splash around in the pool or fly on their first airplane, we enjoy these experiences more when we know our children can have fun without developing hearing or ear problems. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent damage to your children's ears as summer approaches.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, distinct from the more common middle ear infections (otitis media) which occur behind the eardrum. Swimmer’s ear is caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal or injury to the canal.

How to Prevent Swimmer's Ear:

• Dry your child’s ears thoroughly with a towel after swimming or bathing.

• Tilt your child’s head to let water drain from their ears, gently pulling on the earlobe to help.

• Use swimmer’s earplugs for frequent swimmers or those prone to ear problems. An audiologist can create custom earplugs for the best fit.

• Avoid inserting anything into your child’s ears, such as cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal and increase the risk of infection.

Signs & Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear:

• Itching or pain in the ear (younger children may tug at their ear)

• Discharge from the ear

• Redness or swelling of the outer ear

• Hearing changes

• Fever

Treatment of Swimmer's Ear:

Treatment typically involves ear drops prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider. Pain medication or a referral to an ear, nose, and throat doctor may be necessary if the infection is severe. Do not ignore symptoms. Contact your child’s doctor if you notice signs of an infection. Prompt treatment is essential, as ear infections can temporarily impair hearing, potentially affecting speech and language development and social interactions. If hearing issues persist after treatment, consult a certified audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation.

What is Airplane Ear?

Airplane ear is discomfort caused by sudden pressure changes when flying on an airplane. This can occur during flights or any situation involving rapid altitude change.

How to Prevent or Ease Symptoms:

• For younger children:

  • Encourage swallowing by giving them a drink.

  • Use a pacifier.

  • Keep them awake during takeoff and landing.

• For older children:

  • Chew gum.

  • Yawn and swallow.

  • Use earplugs.

  • Stay awake during takeoff and landing.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure your child enjoys a safe, healthy, and fun-filled summer. Keep their ears protected so they can fully enjoy all the sounds of the season!

If you notice lingering hearing issues, discuss them with a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, please contact our team for support: https://greatergoodtherapy.com/contact/