Alcohol In Ears After Swimming: Good Or Bad Idea?

Swimmer's ear is a common bacterial infection that occurs in the outer ear canal, often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. This creates a moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria. To prevent this, some people use a few drops of a solution containing rubbing alcohol and vinegar in their ears after swimming. However, opinions vary on the effectiveness of this method, and some sources recommend consulting a doctor before using any type of ear drops, especially if you have had a previous ear infection or surgery.

Should I put alcohol in my ear after swimming?

Homemade ear drops

If you don't have a punctured eardrum, you can use homemade ear drops to dry out your ears and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause swimmer's ear.

How to make and use homemade ear drops:

To make homemade ear drops, mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Pour about one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of this solution into one ear and let it drain back out. Repeat the process for the other ear.

The mixture works because rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, while vinegar has antimicrobial properties that help prevent bacterial growth. When combined, the solution effectively reduces moisture in the ear, especially after swimming or bathing.

Precautions:

It is important to use this remedy with caution. Do not use the mixture if you have an existing ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or any other ear-related conditions, as it could irritate or worsen the situation. Always consult a doctor if you're unsure.

Other considerations:

While homemade ear drops can help prevent swimmer's ear, it is important to keep your ears dry after swimming. Gently dry your outer ear with a soft towel or cloth, and tip your head to the side to help water drain from your ear canal. Avoid putting foreign objects in your ear, such as cotton swabs, as they can irritate or damage the thin skin inside your ear canal.

Preventing swimmer's ear

Swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal for a long period, providing a moist environment for bacteria to multiply. It is also known as otitis externa and is characterised by redness or swelling (inflammation), irritation, or infection of the outer ear canal. It is a painful condition that often affects children and people of all ages who swim often.

To prevent swimmer's ear, it is important to keep your ears dry. After swimming or bathing, tilt your head from side to side to allow water to drain from the ear canal. You can also use a hairdryer on the lowest heat and speed/fan setting, holding it several inches away from the ear. It is also recommended to dry the outer ear by wiping it gently with a soft towel.

You can also make your own eardrops by mixing equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. This mixture helps the ear dry and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi. You can pour about 5 milliliters of the solution into each ear and let it drain back out.

Additionally, when swimming, you can use a bathing cap, earplugs, or custom-fitted swim moulds to help keep water out of your ears. If you have recurrent swimmer's ear, limit your time in the water and let your ears dry completely before going back in.

Safety precautions

Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which extends from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. It is often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that aids bacterial growth. Therefore, it is important to keep your ears dry and clean, especially after swimming.

Before trying any home remedies, it is important to check that you do not have a punctured eardrum. If you are unsure, consult a doctor.

If you have any symptoms of an ear infection, see a doctor for a full diagnosis before putting anything in your ear, including rubbing alcohol or apple cider vinegar. If you have recently had an ear infection or surgery, talk to your doctor before you go swimming.

To dry your ears, gently wipe your outer ear slowly and gently with a soft towel or cloth. Tip your head to the side to help water drain from your ear canal. You can also use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry your ears.

If you choose to use alcohol to dry your ears, do not use a teaspoon as this seems to be overkill and can lead to hearing loss. Instead, use a few drops of a mixture of equal parts alcohol and vinegar. Do not use cotton swabs as they can irritate the thin skin of the ear canal and make it bleed.

What to do if it doesn't work

If you suspect you have an ear infection, it is important to see a doctor for a full diagnosis before putting anything in your ear, including rubbing alcohol or apple cider vinegar. If you know you don't have a punctured eardrum, you can use homemade preventive eardrops before and after swimming. A mixture of one part white vinegar to one part rubbing alcohol may help promote drying and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer's ear.

However, if this mixture does not work, there are several other options you can try. Firstly, ensure that you are drying your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Gently wipe your outer ear with a soft towel or cloth, and tip your head to the side to help water drain from your ear canal. You can also use a blow dryer on the lowest setting, holding it at least a foot away from your ear.

If your ear still feels blocked, try tilting your head sideways with the affected ear up, pulling the ear upward and backward, and then putting in ear drops to dry out the ear. Make sure to get the drops all the way down into the ear canal, and then turn your head to let them drain out. You can also try standing up straight and then bending forward as if to touch your toes. Turn your head to the side and then shake your head to help dislodge any water.

If these methods do not work, it is important to see a doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist, especially if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of an ear infection, such as mild discomfort, a feeling of fullness inside the ear, or partial blockage of the ear canal. They may recommend other treatments, such as antibiotic ear drops or ear flushing, to help resolve the issue.

Alternatives to alcohol

While rubbing alcohol is a common home remedy for treating swimmer's ear, there are alternative treatments available.

Over-the-counter (OTC) eardrops

If you have a punctured eardrum, it is recommended to use over-the-counter eardrops that are typically made up of isopropyl alcohol and glycerin. These drops help your ear dry out faster, but do not fight the infection. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Homemade eardrops

If you do not have a punctured eardrum, you can make your own homemade eardrops to use before and after swimming. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, or boric acid powder (2 tsp/pint) with white vinegar (mixed 50/50 with alcohol). Place approximately 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the solution into one ear and let it drain back out. Repeat for the other ear.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used for earwax removal and has mild antiseptic properties. It can help soften earwax, making it easier to remove. However, it can cause a bubbling sensation in the ear, which some people find uncomfortable.

Oily or lanolin eardrops

If you have itchy, flaky ears or ears with wax buildup, you are very likely to develop swimmer's ear. Your otolaryngologist may recommend placing oily (or lanolin) eardrops in your ears before swimming to protect them from water.

Ear flushing

Ear flushing, also called ear irrigation, is a method of removing excess earwax or foreign materials from your ear. The procedure is typically performed by a doctor.

Preventative measures

To prevent swimmer's ear, keep your ears dry after swimming or bathing. You can use a blow dryer on the lowest setting, held at least a foot away from the ear. Avoid putting foreign objects in your ear, such as cotton swabs, as these can irritate or damage the thin skin inside your ear.

Frequently asked questions