Outer ear infection caused by moisture

Outer ear infection, also called otitis externa, is usually a fungal or bacterial infection on the skin of the ear canal of the outer ear. It is usually caused by moisture left in the ears, such as after swimming or showering. This is because moisture makes earwax less able to do its job. Otitis externa can cause fever and severe ear pain. If treated incorrectly or too late, permanent hearing damage can also occur. All the more reason to tell you all about it in this article.

How does an outer ear infection occur?

Earwax is the protector of our ears; it protects against dirt, bacteria and fungus. When it can no longer do its job properly, for example because water has remained in the ear, you become susceptible to these pathogens. They then cause an infection in the ear canal, which we call an outer ear infection.

What are the symptoms of an outer ear infection?

Otitis externa can be very unpleasant. In addition to stabbing pain and fever, you may also experience temporary hearing loss, tinnitus, swollen lymph nodes and discharge from your ears. Normally, an outer ear infection heals even without treatment within a few weeks, but it is advisable to seek medical attention early to reduce symptoms and prevent the development of further symptoms.

How is an outer ear infection treated?

When your hearing care professional diagnoses an ear infection, he or she will refer you to an ENT specialist. He or she will recommend the treatment method that applies to you. In many cases this consists of ear drops, but when symptoms are severe other treatments may be prescribed. Surgery is usually not required, but hospitalization may be necessary. Until your consultation or until treatment takes effect, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. As long as you have an outer ear infection, you should not swim or wear earplugs or hearing aids. You can shower, however, as long as you use a shower cap that extends over your ears.

How do I prevent an outer ear infection?

We can’t repeat it often enough: prevention is better than cure. Here’s how to prevent otitis externa:

• Wearing hearing protection such as earplugs, a shower cap or headband while swimming, showering or in any other moist environment;
• Tilt your head to one side after swimming or showering to remove residual water;
• Drying the outside of your ears after swimming or showering;
• Not swimming in rivers or lakes that you do not know are clean;
• Failure to remove earwax (for example, with a cotton swab).

Our products against outer ear infection

In our assortment, we have several products that can prevent or treat an outer ear infection:

Custom swim caps

Are you or your children frequent swimmers? Then we at Horend Goed also offer the possibility of custom-made swim caps. They are then molded to your ears for the perfect fit, can be personalized with pictures and glitter and of course they stay afloat!