In this monthly column, audiologists from Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic offer “Sound Advice” on issues affecting hearing and hearing health.
Q: My daughter is scheduled to have ear tubes put in her ears. We are going on vacation a week later. Can my daughter swim with ear tubes?
A: This is a common question we get in the office. Nobody wants to go on vacation and not be able to swim. Just because someone has tubes in their ears or ear drum perforations does not mean they can’t enjoy the vacation; it just means precautions need to be taken to ensure that the ears stay dry. Anyone with ear tubes (pressure-equalizing [PE] tubes) should wear some sort of covering over the ears to prevent water from going into the ear canals. Ear plugs (custom-made or non-custom), headbands that cover the ears, or a swim cap are options available. But keep in mind that swimming below the surface increases the pressure on the plug and the likelihood of water leaking in. When water leaks in, bacteria can grow and infections can occur.
There are ways to prevent water leakage and still enjoy swimming. Surface swimming is a way to keep water out of the ear canals. Making sure your child does not dunk her head in the water may not be the easiest thing to do, but it will prevent water from seeping into the ears. The deeper your child goes down into the water, the greater the risk of water getting into the ears. Also, untreated water, like the water in a pond, quarry, or ocean, will increase the risk of infection compared to the water in a chlorine-treated pool.
At Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, we can discuss options for swimming with you. We offer custom swim plugs that will float in the water and non-custom plugs that come in different sizes to ensure a good fit. We will be happy to find you something so your daughter will not have to sit out on the fun on vacation. You can call one of our offices and schedule an appointment with the audiologist.
Dianna Randolph, AuD, CCC-A, is a Doctor of Audiology with Northwest Ohio Hearing Clinic, located at 1125 Hospital Dr., Suite 50 in Toledo (419-383-4012) and 1601 Brigham Dr., Suite 160 in Perrysburg (419-873-4327).
