17/02/2026
Keeping ears healthy after swimming is important - especially for children. They can be prone to swimmer's ear, which looks red and can feel itchy. It's usually caused by water that has stayed in the outer ear canal for a long time.
Kim Nguyen is a clinical audiologist at EarRelief in Inala Plaza and shares his expert tips for healthy swimming ears:
1. Drain naturally: After each lesson, tilt your child's head to the side and gently pull the ear upwards and backwards to straighten the canal, then ask them to hop to help trapped water escape.
2. Dry safely: Use a clean towel for the outer ear, but never use cotton buds, as they push moisture and bacteria deeper. Consider using Swimmerโs Ear or Aqua Ear drops to dry the canal effectively.
3. Prioritise prevention: For those prone to infections or who have grommets, custom-fitted or over-the-counter earplugs are the most effective way to keep the ear canal dry. EarRelief offers custom-fit earplugs and free hearing checks for children.
