It’s Time For Those Tubes
Why would someone need ear tubes? If a family physician or ENT suggests ear tubes, there have been cases of multiple ear infections. Ear tubes, known as tympanostomy tubes, allow fluid buildup to drain from the middle ear while encouraging airflow. The surgical procedure reduces pain, pressure, and inflammation. Most surgeries are for kids, but adults can get ear tubes too. After surgery, some patients want to get back to pastimes like swimming. The goal of these tiny tubes is to remove fluid, so there may be some rules on getting back into the water.
Understanding ear tube surgery
Ear infections happen when there is a buildup of fluids or inflammation in the ear. This condition is the primary reason parents bring children to the doctor, but adults can get ear infections too. Ear pain, discharge, discomfort, loss of balance, and tugging at the ear are common symptoms. Infections usually respond well to pain medication and antibiotics. However, constant, chronic infections may require surgery. With ear tube surgery, the ENT surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum. From there, a tiny metal or plastic tube goes into the space. The tube aerates the ear and relieves pressure. Over several weeks, the ear heals, and the tube falls out naturally.
How swimming affects your ear
Swimming is one of the reasons children and adults develop ear infections. The chances of bacteria in bodies of water are very high. Even sanitized pools contain bacteria that can get into the nose and ear. The eustachian tube between the nose and ear is short, increasing infection chances for children. Failing to dry the ear or drain the ear furthers the chances of swimmer’s ear, a bacterial infection.
Swimming after ear tube placement
Can a child or adult swim after an ear tube placement? The short answer is yes. Ear tube surgeries are minimally invasive and require just a few days of downtime. If the patient is an active swimmer, swimming is possible after a few days of necessary rest. Still, the patient must take precautions to protect the ear and integrity of the ear tubes. The easiest step is to use earplugs while swimming. For extra protection, use a swim cap to cover the ear. While there will be limited hearing, the ear will be protected to do what’s needed to remain safe in the pool. If there is any discomfort or discharge, see the doctor as soon as possible or use medication as advised.
Swimming after ear tube removal
After those tubes fall out, patients may be eager to book some time at the pool. Like swimming after insertion, precautions are necessary first. The patient must first visit the doctor after signs that the tubes have fallen out. The surgeon will assess the ear and gauge the patient’s recovery. If the surgeon gives the all-clear, use earplugs and swim caps accordingly. In both cases of swimming, make sure to dry and clean the ear. This extra time to aerate the ear reduces the chances of pain, discomfort, and further infections. Before a follow-up visit with the doctor in a month, limit the swim sessions and look for severe pain or discomfort signs.
Give your ear the space it needs
Chronic ear infections can be distressing for young and old alike. Ear tubes can help relieve the pressure and help with draining buildup fluids. There’s a common misconception that swimming is not advisable after ear tubes. However, this is not the case. Patients can swim after a few days of recovery after placement and after visiting the doctor after removal. Keeping the ear clean and dry can help. Keep chronic ear infections on the sideline, and don’t hesitate to dive in.
Recent Posts
Do Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Return After Surgery? Some Simple Recovery Tips
Carpal tunnel can make basic hand movements painful. The following tips can improve recovery and prevent injury recurrences.
Rotator Cuff Rehab: 3 Tips For Speedy Recovery After Shoulder Surgery
Some people may need surgery to repair a rotator cuff injury. But these tips can help speed up the recovery timeline.
Clearing The Way: How Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Improves Quality Of Life
Chronic congested sinuses and sinusitis can be resolved with endoscopic sinus surgery. The procedure may improve sinus drainage, breathing, and overall health.
Knee Triumph: From Injury To Recovery With Arthroscopic ACL Surgery
What’s the best way to recover from an ACL tear? After diagnosis, arthroscopic ACL surgery can restore stability and facilitate a return to everyday activities.
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
Recent Posts
Do Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Return After Surgery? Some Simple Recovery Tips
Carpal tunnel can make basic hand movements painful. The following tips can improve recovery and prevent injury recurrences.
Rotator Cuff Rehab: 3 Tips For Speedy Recovery After Shoulder Surgery
Some people may need surgery to repair a rotator cuff injury. But these tips can help speed up the recovery timeline.
Clearing The Way: How Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Improves Quality Of Life
Chronic congested sinuses and sinusitis can be resolved with endoscopic sinus surgery. The procedure may improve sinus drainage, breathing, and overall health.
Knee Triumph: From Injury To Recovery With Arthroscopic ACL Surgery
What’s the best way to recover from an ACL tear? After diagnosis, arthroscopic ACL surgery can restore stability and facilitate a return to everyday activities.
