Evaluation for waterproof ear protectors in swimmers

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Middle ear infections are a risk for patients with grommets, perforated tympanic membranes, or after mastoidectomy.
• Chronic otitis externa and head/neck radiotherapy increase susceptibility to ear infections.
• Waterproof ear protection is often recommended for swimming in at-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of seven commercially available ear protectors.
• To identify the most suitable ear protection for swimmers at risk of waterborne ear infections.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving six swimmers using seven different ear protectors.
• Development of a sensitive water detection method using pH indicator strips.

Main Results:

• Cotton wool coated in paraffin jelly BPC provided the most effective ear canal sealing.
• This method was also found to be comfortable, easy to use, and cost-effective.
• Custom-made silicone earplugs and other tested methods were inadequate and more expensive.

Conclusions:

• Cotton wool with paraffin jelly is a superior, economical choice for ear protection during swimming.
• Healthcare professionals should consider recommending this method for at-risk patient groups.
• Further research could explore long-term efficacy and user satisfaction.