Buzz
Ensuring your ears stay dry while showering can pose a challenge, especially if you're contending with an ear infection or recuperating from ear surgery. There are numerous clever options available for headgear that can safeguard both your inner and outer ears during your shower routine. Additionally, specific types of earplugs can effectively prevent water from entering your ear canal. Should any moisture find its way into your ears, promptly drying them is crucial for expedited healing.
Procedures
Preserving Your Ear Health
Utilize a shower cap to cover your head and ears. If required, gather your hair into a bun beforehand. Grasp the shower cap by its elastic edges, then loop one side around the back of your neck. Stretch the elastic carefully over your head, ensuring it follows your hairline and encompasses your ears.
- Shower caps are readily available at most drugstores and beauty supply outlets.
Protect Your Ears' Dryness with Disposable Ear Caps. Disposable ear caps resemble miniature shower caps designed to cover your ears. To wear them, stretch the elastic over the tops of your ears and pull it down to cover the lobes. Be cautious when washing your hair to avoid accidentally dislodging them while massaging shampoo and conditioner into your scalp.
- You can purchase packs of disposable ear caps online or from beauty supply stores.
- They're also ideal for keeping your ears free from dye when changing your hair color.
Safeguard Your Ears with a Spacious Swim Cap. For individuals with long hair, gather it into a bun or ponytail. Position the cap's edge at your forehead and stretch it over your hair, ensuring the front edge sits just above your eyebrows and covers your ears on the sides.
- If your cap doesn't fully cover your ears, consider purchasing a full-coverage cap designed with extended sides for ear protection.
- You can buy swim caps online or from retailers offering swimsuits and swim accessories. Some gyms or activewear stores may also carry them.
Utilize a Water-Resistant Headband to Cover Your Ears. Hold the headband with the inner lining facing inwards (with small grips). Position one edge at your forehead and stretch it over your head until the other edge rests at the base of your hairline on the back of your head.
- Opt for a headband crafted from 100% neoprene for optimal protection and fit.
- You can purchase swimming headbands online or from specialty swimwear retailers.
- Ensure the headband is wide enough on the sides to fully cover your ears.
Preserving Dryness in Your Ear Canals
Block Moisture with Petroleum Jelly-Coated Cotton Balls. Apply petroleum jelly to one side of a clean cotton ball using a clean finger. Gently insert it into your ear, ensuring a snug fit, then apply more petroleum jelly to the outside of the cotton ball.
- The petroleum jelly acts as a barrier, repelling moisture from entering your ear canal.
- After showering, remove the cotton balls and discard them.
Preserve your inner ear's integrity with silicone ear molding. Before handling the ear molding, ensure your hands are clean. Position the earplug over your ear canal, then use your fingers to shape the molding over the ear opening and its contours. Avoid exerting pressure into the ear canal; simply shape it gently around your ear.
- If you detect any fissures in the molding, refrain from reshaping it; instead, opt for a fresh set.
- To remove the plugs, gently lift your ear upward from the back while pulling downward on the earlobe. Repeat this motion until the molding loosens enough to be extracted.
- You can utilize the same set of silicone earplugs for up to 2 weeks, provided they remain in good condition (i.e., devoid of cracks or disintegration along the edges).
- If you're dealing with an ear infection or convalescing from surgery, consult your physician prior to employing ear molding.
M. Jennifer Derebery, Esteemed Ear Health Specialist
Although singing in the shower is delightful, take precautions to shield your ears from excessive water exposure. Employ silicone ear plugs or a shower cap to safeguard the ear canal. This precautionary measure prevents painful infections and preserves your hearing, ensuring a lifetime of melodious showers!
Avert direct water exposure to your head. Position yourself away from the showerhead so only your body receives the water flow. Gently splash water onto your body using your hands, or utilize a damp cloth or sponge. While some water droplets may reach your outer ear, keep a dry hand towel nearby to dab away any moisture.
- This method is suitable only if you don't intend to wash your hair.
Efficacious Ear Drying Techniques
Gently dry your ears using a towel or tissue. If water accidentally reaches your outer ear, attend to it immediately upon exiting the shower. Hold a soft bath towel or tissue and softly pat your ear dry. Layer the towel or tissue over your fingers to absorb any moisture lingering in the nooks and crannies.
- Avoid abrasive or scratchy towels, as they may irritate the delicate skin of your ears.
Lean your head to the side to facilitate water drainage from your ear canal. If you suspect water has entered your ear accidentally, expel it immediately after showering. Tilt your head forward, then turn it sideways so your ear faces downwards. Maintain this position until you feel the water escaping.
- Gently nodding your head up and down may assist in the process.
- If water persists, bend your head downward (as if touching your toes) until you feel movement in your ear. Then, raise your upper body to a horizontal position and turn your head sideways to encourage drainage.
- Alternatively, lie on your side with the affected ear facing downwards.
Mobilize your jaw to dislodge trapped water from your ear. Chew gum, yawn, or simulate chewing movements to dislodge water. If water remains stubborn, perform these actions while leaning or lying on your side with the affected ear downwards.
- These motions help stimulate movement in your Eustachian tubes, facilitating the removal of persistent water droplets.
Utilize a hairdryer on a cool or low-heat setting to dry your ears. Keep the hairdryer approximately 12 inches (30 cm) away from your ear and select the lowest heat and speed settings. If your dryer offers a 'cool' option, alternate between low heat and cool settings.
- Avoid using high heat settings, as they may cause rapid heating of your ear!
Aid drying of your ears with a solution of rubbing alcohol and vinegar. Combine equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, then administer 2-3 drops into the affected ear. Use a dropper or a soaked cotton ball to release drops into your ear. Gently wiggle the outer ear to encourage the solution into the ear canal, then tilt your head with the affected ear upwards for 3-5 minutes. Reverse the tilt to allow drainage once complete.
- This mixture of alcohol and vinegar aids in drying the ear canal and prevents infections such as swimmer’s ear.
- If preferred, commercial ear drop solutions like Swim-Ear, Auro-Dri, or Debrox can be used.
- Prior to application, ensure the outer ear is as dry as possible with a towel or a hair dryer on low heat.
Consult a physician if you experience fever, itchiness, or discharge. Notify your doctor if you detect itching, redness, or fluid discharge within your ear canal. Inform them of any accompanying fever, headache, or ear tenderness.
- If symptoms persist or worsen during an existing ear infection, seek medical attention.
Guidelines
-
If you're experiencing an ear infection, wait until it resolves before swimming. Your doctor might recommend antibiotics to combat the infection.
-
Clearing your nose can help expel water from your ear canal. However, refrain from doing so if you have an ear infection or are recovering from surgery, as the pressure can exacerbate discomfort or cause issues inside your ear.
-
To alleviate ear pain associated with an infection, consider applying a warm, dry compress over your ear. Use a heating pad or warm up a hand towel in the dryer for a few minutes.
Cautions
- Avoid inserting foreign objects into your ear canal, as this can push wax deeper or inadvertently damage your eardrum.
