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What Causes Ear Pain After Swimming While Having Ear Tubes?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Question: Hi I had ear tubes put in about 5 months ago. Today I jumped into a pool forgetting about the tubes. As soon as I went under I had severe ear pain in one of my ears and ran out of the pool screaming in pain. It's been about 5 hours and I still have severe ear pain. Do I need to see a doctor?
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Take Ibuprofen

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Ear tubes does not contradict you from going into the pool. However you should have plugged the ears so that the ear canals are dry. With water the chances of infection increase. Since you have unbearable pain which could be because of sudden mismatch in the pressure with the external environment there could be bulge in the middle ear cavity.

I suggest you to take Tab Ibuprofen/Tab Naproxen thrice a day if they are available over the counter. You can see the doctor later if the pain persists after 48 hours or if there is a fresh discharge or temperature above 102 F.

Hope this answers. If you have any queries please follow up else you may close our discussion here.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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What Causes Ear Pain After Swimming While Having Ear Tubes?

Brief Answer: Take Ibuprofen Detailed Answer: Hi, Ear tubes does not contradict you from going into the pool. However you should have plugged the ears so that the ear canals are dry. With water the chances of infection increase. Since you have unbearable pain which could be because of sudden mismatch in the pressure with the external environment there could be bulge in the middle ear cavity. I suggest you to take Tab Ibuprofen/Tab Naproxen thrice a day if they are available over the counter. You can see the doctor later if the pain persists after 48 hours or if there is a fresh discharge or temperature above 102 F. Hope this answers. If you have any queries please follow up else you may close our discussion here.