Your ear likely feels blocked after swimming because water has become trapped in your ear canal. This trapped water can lead to several issues, the most common being a temporary feeling of fullness or pressure. However, it can also lead to more serious conditions like swimmer's ear.
Common Causes of Blocked Ears After Swimming
Here's a breakdown of why your ear feels blocked:
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Trapped Water: Water enters the ear canal during swimming and can get trapped, especially if you have a narrow or unusually shaped ear canal, or excessive earwax.
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Earwax Buildup: Water can cause earwax to swell, further blocking the ear canal. Earwax is a natural protectant, but too much can cause problems.
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Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa): While not the immediate cause of the feeling of blockage, trapped water creates a moist environment that encourages bacterial or fungal growth, leading to an outer ear infection called swimmer's ear. This infection can cause inflammation, swelling, and a feeling of fullness or blockage. According to the reference, Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head.
Solutions and Prevention
Here are some steps you can take to relieve the blockage and prevent it from happening again:
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Tilting your head: Tilt your head to the side, holding the affected ear downward, and gently shake your head.
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Jiggling your earlobe: Gently pull or jiggle your earlobe in different directions while your head is tilted.
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Using a hairdryer: On the lowest setting, hold a hairdryer a few inches away from your ear and gently blow warm (not hot) air into the ear canal.
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Over-the-counter ear drops: Ear drying drops, often containing isopropyl alcohol or acetic acid (vinegar), can help evaporate water and prevent infection. Always follow product instructions carefully.
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Prevention:
- Earplugs: Use earplugs specifically designed for swimming to prevent water from entering your ears in the first place.
- Towel drying: After swimming, thoroughly dry your ears with a clean towel.
- Tilt and shake: Proactively tilt your head and shake out any water after each swim.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- The blockage persists for more than a day or two.
- You experience pain, redness, or swelling in your ear.
- You notice discharge from your ear.
- You have a fever.
- Your hearing is affected.
In summary, the blocked feeling after swimming is most often due to trapped water in the ear canal, which can sometimes lead to complications like swimmer's ear. Simple remedies can usually resolve the issue, but seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
