It's common to experience muffled hearing after swimming because water can get trapped in your ear canal. However, the reason the muffled hearing persists may be due to water absorption by earwax.
Understanding the Problem
When water enters your ear, it can sometimes get stuck. This happens because the ear canal isn't a straight tube. Instead, it has curves and can easily trap water. Usually, gravity or gentle shaking will dislodge this water, but sometimes it gets absorbed by earwax.
How Earwax Plays a Role
Earwax, also called cerumen, is naturally present in your ear canal to protect it. The reference states that if water remains in your ear for a few days, it is likely that the earwax has absorbed the water, which causes the earwax to swell and block the ear canal. This enlarged earwax acts like a physical barrier, obstructing sound and causing the sensation of muffled hearing.
Detailed Explanation
Here's a breakdown of why you can't hear properly:
- Water Trapped: Water gets lodged in the ear canal after swimming.
- Earwax Absorption: The water can be absorbed by the earwax.
- Earwax Swells: The absorbed water causes the earwax to expand in size.
- Blockage: The enlarged earwax obstructs the ear canal.
- Muffled Hearing: The blockage prevents sound from travelling properly to your eardrum, causing muffled hearing.
Symptoms
Apart from muffled hearing, you might also experience:
- Pain
- Itching
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
What to Do?
Usually, water will drain from your ear naturally. However, if the muffled hearing continues for several days it is likely that the earwax has absorbed the water. In that case, it might be best to consult a medical professional.
Prevention
To reduce the chances of water getting trapped in your ear:
- Tilt your head to the side after swimming to allow water to drain out naturally.
- Use earplugs when swimming.
- Consider using swimmer's ear drops after swimming.
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Water in Ear | Water gets trapped in the ear canal. |
| Earwax Absorbs Water | Earwax absorbs the water, causing it to swell. |
| Enlarged Earwax | Swollen earwax can block the ear canal. |
| Muffled Hearing | The blockage prevents sound from reaching the eardrum, leading to muffled hearing. |
| Other Symptoms | Pain and itching might also occur. |
