Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection affecting the outer ear canal. It commonly arises when water remains in the ear, creating an environment where bacteria or fungi can thrive. Ear tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, are tiny cylinders surgically placed in the eardrum to address recurrent middle ear infections. A frequent concern for individuals, particularly parents of children with tubes, is whether they remain susceptible to swimmer’s ear.
Understanding Ear Tubes and Swimmer’s Ear
Ear tubes are inserted through a small incision in the eardrum into the middle ear. Their primary function is to ventilate the middle ear space and facilitate fluid drainage that can accumulate there. These tubes help maintain balanced air pressure and reduce the frequency of middle ear infections.
Swimmer’s ear, in contrast, is an infection of the skin lining the outer ear canal. It results from water becoming trapped in this canal, softening the skin and allowing bacteria to cause an infection. Common symptoms include pain, itching, redness, swelling, and sometimes a discharge from the ear. The key distinction is that ear tubes are located in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, while swimmer’s ear affects the outer ear canal, external to the eardrum.
Can Swimmer’s Ear Occur with Ear Tubes?
Individuals with ear tubes can still get swimmer’s ear. Ear tubes address issues within the middle ear, such as fluid buildup and recurrent infections, but they do not protect the outer ear canal. Therefore, conditions like prolonged water exposure or irritation of the outer ear canal skin can still lead to swimmer’s ear, independently of the tubes.
A common misunderstanding is that ear tubes prevent all ear infections caused by water. While water can pass through ear tubes into the middle ear, potentially leading to a middle ear infection (otitis media), this is distinct from swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). Swimmer’s ear involves the outer ear canal. The risk of developing swimmer’s ear is unrelated to the tubes themselves; rather, it depends on factors affecting the outer ear canal’s environment.
Prevention and Management
Preventing swimmer’s ear involves general practices applicable to everyone. It is important to thoroughly dry the ears after swimming or showering, gently tipping the head to each side to help water drain. Avoiding the insertion of cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal is also advised, as these can injure the delicate skin and disrupt the natural protective earwax layer.
For individuals with ear tubes, specific precautions regarding water exposure may be recommended by a healthcare provider. While surface swimming in clean, chlorinated pools is generally safe without earplugs, earplugs are often advised for diving or swimming in lakes or oceans where bacteria levels can be higher. Custom-fitted or silicone putty-type earplugs offer effective protection, sometimes combined with a swim cap or headband for an added barrier.
If symptoms such as persistent pain, discharge, muffled hearing, or fever develop, medical attention should be sought promptly. Treatment for swimmer’s ear involves prescription ear drops, containing antibiotics or antifungals. Pain relief medication may also be recommended. Fluoroquinolone ear drops are preferred for individuals with tubes because they are effective and safe for the middle ear.