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Swimming in chlorinated water and its effect on Eustachian tube function
1East Birmingham Hospital.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Swimming in chlorinated pools does not appear to cause Eustachian tube dysfunction in children with healthy ears. Tympanometry showed no significant changes after swimming, suggesting pool chemicals are not a factor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Middle-ear effusion in children is multifactorial.
- Chlorinated swimming pool water is a suspected etiological factor for Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if chlorinated swimming pool water causes Eustachian tube dysfunction in children.
- To assess the impact of swimming on Eustachian tube function.
Main Methods:
- 30 children (4-8 years) were randomly assigned to two groups.
- Eustachian tube function was measured using tympanometry before and after swimming.
- Measurements were taken 30-45 minutes and 14 hours post-swimming.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes in tympanometry were observed.
- Pre- and post-swimming results showed no compromise in Eustachian tube function (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Surface swimming in chlorinated water does not impair Eustachian tube function in children with healthy middle ears.
- Chlorinated pool water is unlikely to be a significant cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction in this population.