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Postural changes during showering affect the entry of water into the ear canal
Objective:
The aim of the study is to demonstrate the effect of postural changes in keeping the ears dry during showering.
Design:
A prospective, randomized, single blinded trial.
Setting:
Tertiary otolaryngological unit.
Participants:
Forty adult volunteers were recruited and randomly allocated to have a shower either with a head down or a head up posture.
Main Outcome Measures:
Presence of fluorescein in the deeper ear canal.
Results:
Ninety-three per cent of ears in the head down group had no fluorescein and 95% of ears in the head up group showed the presence of fluorescein, indicating presence of water in the deeper ear canals.
Conclusion:
When a head down position was assumed during showering, water did not enter the deeper part of the ear canal in 93% of ears.
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