The ear is a sensory organ and is one of the most sensitive body parts. A common ear infection is swimmer’s ear, which can be diagnosed in three categories; mild, moderate, and advanced stages. Swimmer’s ear is normally caused by bacteria found in water and soil. If one is exposed to too much water or moisture, it can lead to infection. Cotton swabs can cause scratches in the ear, therefore if water with the infectious bacteria comes in contact with it, it will cause the infection to spread.
Symptoms to look for in swimmer’s ear stages:
- Fluid drainage
- Discomfort and itching
- Extreme pain and irritation, spreading down the neck or face
- Muffled hearing
- Fever
- Feeling as if your ear is clogged or full and swollen
- Redness and swelling around the entire ear
If these symptoms are felt, calling a doctor immediately is important. If proper care is not taken quickly enough, the infection can lead to complete hearing loss because of the damage of the eardrum. It can also cause damage to the cartilage in the ear, deep tissue damage that can spread to more areas than just the ear.
To prevent such infections, easy steps can be taken to avoid possible long-term damage:
- Avoid cleaning or scratching ears with cotton swaps and sharp objects
- Wear earplugs in water and in loud environments
- Do not swim in contaminated water
- Washing your hands regularly and do not touch your ears with dirty surfaces
If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, give us a call at 901-415-6667 and the licensed professionals of the Shea Hearing Aid Center will gladly arrange for you to have a FREE hearing evaluation.