Swimming and Blocked Ears: When Ear Wax Removal May Be Appropriate
Summer swimming is a great way to stay active and cool down, but it can sometimes leave your ears feeling blocked or muffled. For some people, water can become trapped around a build-up of ear wax, making hearing feel worse after a swim. Others may notice pressure, fullness, mild discomfort or an irritating sensation that does not seem to clear.
A blocked ear after swimming is not always caused by ear wax. Water, changes in pressure, irritation of the ear canal and ear infections can all produce similar symptoms. Understanding the possible causes can help you decide when professional ear wax removal may be appropriate, and when you should seek medical advice instead.
Why can swimming make blocked ears feel worse?
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a normal substance that helps protect the skin inside the ear canal. It usually moves towards the opening of the ear naturally, where it can be wiped away gently. However, wax can sometimes build up and become hard or impacted.
When water enters the ear during swimming or showering, it may sit against a build-up of wax. This can make the wax swell or alter the way sound travels through the ear, causing a temporary reduction in hearing. You may also notice a feeling of pressure, fullness or mild imbalance.
Swimming itself does not necessarily mean that you have excess ear wax. If your symptoms continue after the water has drained, or if you regularly experience blocked ears after swimming, an assessment can help identify whether wax is contributing to the problem.
Signs that ear wax may be contributing to your symptoms
Ear wax blockage can affect one or both ears. Common symptoms include:
- A blocked, full or plugged feeling in the ear
- Muffled hearing or sounds seeming quieter than usual
- Earache or mild discomfort
- Ringing or buzzing, known as tinnitus
- Itching in or around the ear canal
- Hearing that changes after swimming, showering or using earphones
These symptoms can have other causes, so they should not be used to diagnose ear wax on their own. A trained professional can look at your symptoms and discuss whether removal is suitable.
When might ear wax removal be appropriate?
Professional ear wax removal may be appropriate when wax is affecting your hearing, causing discomfort or preventing a healthcare professional from examining your ear properly. It may also be helpful if you regularly use hearing aids, as wax can affect how they fit and work.
At Barnes Pharmacy, the service is intended to provide a convenient way to have troublesome ear wax assessed and, where appropriate, removed. The pharmacist or trained practitioner can discuss your symptoms and medical history before deciding whether the service is suitable for you.
It is sensible to arrange an assessment rather than trying to remove a suspected blockage yourself, particularly if symptoms have lasted for several days or keep returning after swimming.
What should you do before an appointment?
If you think wax may be blocking your ears, avoid putting cotton buds, hairpins, fingers or other objects into the ear canal. These can push wax further in, scratch delicate skin or damage the eardrum. Ear candles and similar home remedies are not recommended because they can cause burns, block the ear further or injure the ear.
Some people may be advised to use pharmacy ear drops for a short period before wax removal, as softening the wax can make removal easier. Ask a pharmacist which product is suitable and follow the instructions carefully. Do not use drops if you have been told that you have a perforated eardrum, unless a healthcare professional has specifically advised you to do so.
If you have a history of ear surgery, grommets, a perforated eardrum or recurring ear problems, mention this when booking. The service may not be suitable in every situation, and you may need to be assessed by another healthcare professional first.
When is a blocked ear not simply ear wax?
Swimming can increase the risk of irritation or an outer ear infection, sometimes called swimmer’s ear. This may cause increasing pain, tenderness when touching the outer ear, itching, redness or discharge. A middle-ear infection may also cause pain, reduced hearing or a raised temperature.
Seek medical advice promptly if you have any of the following:
- Severe or worsening ear pain
- Fluid, pus or blood coming from the ear
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Sudden hearing loss
- Significant dizziness or loss of balance
- Swelling around the ear
- Symptoms after an injury or loud noise
Sudden hearing loss should be treated as urgent rather than assumed to be a wax blockage. If you are unsure about your symptoms, contact your GP, NHS 111 or another appropriate healthcare service for advice.
How can swimmers help prevent blocked ears?
After swimming, allow water to drain naturally by tilting your head to each side and gently drying the outside of your ears with a towel. Do not insert anything into the ear canal. If you swim frequently, well-fitting swimming earplugs may help reduce water entering the ears, although they should be kept clean and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
People who are prone to wax build-up may benefit from discussing a suitable ear care routine with a pharmacist. Avoid over-cleaning, as removing all ear wax is unnecessary and may irritate the ear. If you wear hearing aids or in-ear headphones, keeping them clean and taking breaks where appropriate may also help reduce irritation.
Book an ear wax removal assessment
If swimming has left you with persistent muffled hearing, pressure or a blocked feeling, ear wax could be one possible cause. Barnes Pharmacy on Welwyn High Street offers a convenient ear wax removal service, with an assessment to help determine whether professional removal is appropriate for you.
For more information or to arrange an appointment, book ear wax removal with Barnes Pharmacy.