Health Topics A-Z

How Can I Prevent It?

• Be careful when cleaning your ears. Wipe the outer ear with a clean washcloth. Do not dig into the ear canal, and never use a pointed object.
• Avoid earplugs; these can irritate the ear canal.
• Wear a swimmer's cap or wet suit hood when swimming. Afterward, tilt and shake your head to drain water from your ears.
• Avoid swimming in dirty water.
• Use a shower cap to keep your ears dry while showering. Or dry your ears after showering with a hair dryer: Set it on low and hold it about a foot from your ear.
• You can also dry out your ear and help kill germs after swimming or showering by squirting a dropper of acetic acid or a combination of isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar into your ear. Tilt your head so the solution gets to the bottom of the ear canal, then let the liquid drain out.
• If you wear a hearing aid, take it out as often as possible to give your ear a chance to dry out; a hearing aid can trap moisture in the ear canal.