Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Arif Ulubil warned against the summer risks that invite many problems in our ears and said, “The swimming pool or the sea not being clean can often lead to ear infections. In addition, the chlorine in the pool reduces the resistance of the outer ear canal to external factors. Leaving the ears wet after contact with water causes the development of fungal infections in particular,” and made the following statement:

Be careful in the pool and sea

The outer ear canal can easily become infected by microorganisms in the pool or sea. During the summer months, we often see infections in the area called outer ear canal infection. The microbes in the sea and especially in the pool water can cause infection in this area on their own. Even if the pool water is clean in terms of microbes, since it has a high pH value, it can disrupt the low pH level in the outer ear canal and pave the way for microbes to settle and reproduce in this area. In addition, permanent ear blockages can occur as a result of earwax stuck in the ear canal and not properly cleaned from contact with water.

Using ear buds is not healthy

Be careful with the Q-tip used to clean earwax or unclog the ear! Under normal conditions, earwax is expelled on its own, but some people use Q-tips to clean their ears, pushing the wax towards the eardrum and clogging it. This can lead to infection. Therefore, instead of using Q-tips or random drops, you should definitely see a doctor.

Bacterial external ear canal infection causes severe ear pain, while ear fungus causes persistent ear itching, which is very common in summer.

7 important precautions for ear health!

Make sure the pool and sea are clean.

Try to dry your ears after a shower or swimming because the moisture in the canal can pave the way for infection.

Dry your ears with a towel or hair dryer after the sea or pool.

If you do not have an existing eardrum problem, do not use earplugs. Otherwise, earplugs can both disrupt the ventilation of the ear and hard plugs can damage the skin of the outer ear canal and increase the risk of infection.

Make sure your bonnet is not too tight.

Never use Q-tips to relax when you feel blockage or pressure in your ear.

In case of any problem, avoid random applications and definitely consult a doctor