Summer invites us to dive into the water. Surfing, swimming, diving, paddle boarding… more and more people are enjoying water sports as part of their leisure or training routine. However, there’s one thing we shouldn’t lose sight of: looking after our hearing health. As a hearing care specialist, I’ve treated many cases of outer ear infections, pressure-related discomfort and ear damage caused by improper exposure to water.
In this article, based on my experience in clinic, I’ll explain what precautions you should take to protect your ears when doing water sports. Because prevention is always simpler (and less painful) than treating a hearing complication in the middle of summer.
Why do water sports affect the ear?
Water might seem harmless, but when it builds up in the outer ear canal, it creates a warm, damp environment that’s perfect for bacteria and fungi to grow. This can lead to infections such as outer ear infection, also known as “swimmer’s ear”.
What’s more, in activities like diving or surfing, changes in pressure, water entering under pressure, or the impact of waves can damage sensitive ear structures, such as the eardrum.
Some common risk factors include:
- Leaving water in your ears for a long time without drying them.
- Having pre-existing wounds in the ear canal.
- Using cotton buds or objects that irritate the skin of the ear.
- Doing water sports in dirty or poorly treated water.
Outer ear infection: the most common problem
Outer ear infection is an inflammation of the ear canal, in most cases caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. It’s especially common in summer and in people who swim often.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain when touching the ear or chewing.
- A blocked-ear feeling.
- Watery or yellowish discharge.
- Visible redness or inflammation.
The good news is that outer ear infections can usually be prevented with some very simple habits, which we’ll cover next.
Prevention: how to avoid infections and discomfort
Here are some recommendations I always give in clinic, key to looking after your ears in the water:
- Use custom-made earplugs: Custom-made swimming earplugs are one of the best investments if you do water sports regularly. They fit the ear canal perfectly and keep water out without causing pressure or discomfort. At our hearing centre in Valencia we make custom silicone earplugs that are comfortable, safe and reusable.
- Dry your ears well after swimming: After swimming or showering, tilt your head to each side to help the water drain out by gravity. Use a clean towel to dry the outer part of the ear, but never insert cotton buds or objects into the canal. If you feel like water is trapped, you can apply gentle local heat (like a hairdryer on a low setting held about 30 cm away) to help it evaporate.
- Avoid using cotton buds: Cotton buds can push wax further in or cause tiny injuries in the ear canal, making it easier for bacteria to get in. Wax acts as a natural barrier, so the best approach is proper hygiene without removing it completely.
- Don’t get in the water if you already have discomfort: If you notice itching, inflammation, pain or discharge before swimming, it’s best to skip it until a specialist has checked your ear. Swimming with an ear infection can make it worse and prolong recovery.
- Avoid contaminated water: Try to do water sports in clean water that’s properly treated and of proven quality. Poorly maintained pools or beaches with high bacteria levels significantly increase the risk of infection.
What if I wear hearing aids?
If you wear hearing aids, there are a few extra precautions to keep in mind:
- Don’t wear them in the water. Even if they’re sweat-resistant, they’re not designed for immersion.
- Protect them with waterproof covers if you’re near water, especially if you sweat a lot.
- Store them in their case, away from sun and humidity.
- Use a dehumidifier every night if you’re in a humid environment or if your hearing aids have been exposed to heat.
When should you see a professional?
If you notice ear discomfort lasting more than 48 hours, the first step is to see a doctor. It’s important for a professional to assess whether there’s an infection or persistent inflammation and, if so, prescribe the right treatment. We shouldn’t underestimate a possible ear infection, since timely treatment prevents bigger complications.
Once the infection has been treated, if the discomfort goes away but you notice your hearing hasn’t fully returned to normal, then I’d recommend getting a hearing test. It’s a simple, very useful test to assess whether any hearing loss remains after the inflammation.
And if you’re already a patient of ours, we can compare the results with your previous hearing tests. That way we can clearly see whether your hearing is the same as before or whether there’s been any change after the infection. Sometimes a slight dip can go unnoticed, but a hearing test picks it up easily. If there’s any variation, we’ll discuss with you whether follow-up is needed or any steps should be taken to restore your hearing wellbeing. At BienestarAudio we support you through the whole process, assess your hearing, check the condition of your ears, and help with personalised solutions such as custom-made earplugs or specific recommendations depending on the sport you do.
What happens if it goes untreated?
Not looking after your ears properly when doing water sports can lead to recurring outer ear infections, a perforated eardrum, temporary or even permanent hearing loss, greater sensitivity to future infections, and ongoing discomfort when wearing hearing aids or headphones.
And the most frustrating part is that these situations could often have been avoided with a few simple preventive routines.
Water means life, fun and wellbeing, but it can also be a risk if precautions aren’t taken. If you enjoy swimming, surfing or any water sport, remember that looking after your ears is just as important as wearing sunscreen or staying hydrated.
Healthy ears let you enjoy every dive, every wave and every chat on the shore without pain or interruptions.
If you have any questions, discomfort, or would like custom-made swimming earplugs, come and see us at C/ Juan Llorens 7, 46008 Valencia. At BienestarAudio we help you enjoy summer with the peace of mind of knowing you’re looking after your hearing health.
Or if you’d prefer to call us, you can reach us on 960 659 592 or message us on WhatsApp at 621 00 16 93
This summer, look after your ears as much as you look after your skin.
