If you are a swimmer, you may notice a ringing in one or both of your ears after swimming. This ringing may persist long after you're out of the water. It may also occur long after your last swim, leaving you unaware of its cause. It could be brief, intermittent or constant. This ringing is the result of damage to the tissue in your ear canal, and that damage could come either from physical trauma or from bacteria which thrive in the moisture left behind in your ear immediately after a swim.
Tinnitus
The medical term for chronic or intermittent ringing in your ears is tinnitus. This condition is defined as the perception of sound in one or both ears, or in the head, when no external sound is present. Your tinnitus may have a specific cause associated with swimming, or it may be a symptom of another underlying condition. Tinnitus may consist of a low, quiet ring that you simply don't notice at other times, but when you are or have been underwater, your ear canals may become temporarily blocked. This blockage will mute external sounds, turning what was an otherwise unnoticeable ring into a persistent and prominent annoyance.
Swimmer's Ear
When the ringing in your ears is definitely an aftereffect of swimming, an infection is the most likely culprit. Acute external otitis, more commonly known as swimmer's ear, occurs when bacteria invade the skin inside your inner ear canal. The thin layer of skin within your ear canal can normally protect you from this infection, but damage to the skin will increase your risk. If you clean your ears with cotton swabs or put your fingers in your ears after swimming, you may damage the skin within and expose yourself to bacteria present in the moisture accumulated within.
Advanced Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear
In its early stages, the bacterial infection manifests as a dull itching and redness within your ear and some possible drainage of a clear, odorless fluid. As the infection advances, the itching and redness will intensify and fluid drainage will become excessive. You may also experience pus discharge from the ear, and a near-constant feeling of blockage or fullness within your ear canal will develop as the infected tissue swells. At this time, while external sounds are muffled, the ringing in your ears will become more noticeable. In very advanced stages, swimmer's ear will radiate pain throughout your face, neck and head. You will suffer complete blockage of your ear canal, notable swelling of your outer ear, fever and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, swimmer's ear can lead to temporary hearing loss, long-term infection and deep tissue infection, bone and cartilage damage.
Prevention and Treatment
You can prevent swimmer's ear by avoiding the conditions in which it thrives. Avoid swimming in lakes that may have a high bacteria count. Wear ear protection, such as ear plugs, to prevent water from entering the ear canal. After swimming, tilt your head to each side to allow excess moisture to drain from the ears. If you do acquire swimmer's ear, your treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild to moderate infections will often respond to ear drops. These may contain an acidic solution which helps to restore the normal antibacterial environment within your ear. Steroids may also be used to reduce swelling, and antibiotics and antifungal medications will fight the fungus and bacteria at the root of your infection. More severe infections may require stronger antibiotics and the attention of an ear, nose and throat specialist for additional treatment.
