I am hoping to take up swimming again. The problem is, I have a perforated ear drum and am prone to infection. What kind of precaution should I take to reduce the chance of getting an infection or should I give up the idea altogether?
I am hoping to take up swimming again. The problem is, I have a perforated ear drum and am prone to infection. What kind of precaution should I take to reduce the chance of getting an infection or should I give up the idea altogether?
I presume your ear perforation is of a chronic condition. Usually small perforation heals by itself in 6-8 weeks without any further treatment. If your perforation is large, you should consider surgery of patching up the hole, especially the condition is giving you problems like hearing loss, recurrent infections etc. Ear plug (the moldable silicone(?) type is the best) is another temporary solution for swimming or taking showers. Check with your family doctor to see if there is any change in your condition, and possible prophylatic antibiotics.