Summer in Australia means pool parties, beach days and swimming lessons. It also means that familiar sloshy, blocked feeling when water gets stuck in your ear and won't budge. For most of us it's a minor annoyance. But when water hangs around in the ear canal for too long, it can lead to swimmer's ear, and anyone who's had it knows it's no fun.
The good news? A few seconds after every swim can make a real difference. Here's what you need to know.
What is swimmer's ear?
Swimmer's ear (the medical name is otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. It happens when water gets trapped in the ear and creates a warm, damp environment where bacteria and fungi love to grow.
Common signs include:
- Itching inside the ear
- Redness or swelling
- Pain, especially when you tug on the earlobe
- A blocked or full feeling
- Muffled hearing
Despite the name, you don't have to be a swimmer to get it. Showers, baths and hair washing can all leave water in the ear.
Who's most at risk?
Some people are more prone to swimmer's ear than others, including:
- Kids - who spend hours in the pool and tend to have narrower ear canals
- Swimmers, surfers and divers - regularaly in and out of water
- People who wear hearing aids or earbuds - which can hold moisture in the ear
- Anyone in humid weather - when ears take longer to dry naturally
How DryEars works
DryEars is a swimmer's ear prevention spray with a dual-action formula:
- It dries excess moisture. Alcohol helps evaporate water trapped in the ear canal.
- It helps restore the ear's natural pH. Acetic acid helps return the ear canal to its naturally acidic state, which helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
It's preservative-free with a fresh hint of spearmint oil. Because it's a spray, there's no head tilting, no dropper and no waiting around. That's handy when you're trying to get wet, wriggly kids out of the pool.
When to use DryEars
The rule is simple: use DryEars straight after your ears have been in water. That includes:
- After swimming at the pool or beach
- After surfing, diving or water sports
- After swimming lessons
- After bath time OR after showering or washing hair, if you're prone to ear trouble
Just apply 1–2 sprays in each ear directly after water exposure. Pop a bottle in the swim bag so it's always on hand.
Who can use DryEars?
DryEars is suitable for adults and children aged 2 years and over. It's also suitable for people who wear removable hearing aids (take them out first).
Tips to keep ears dry
- Tilt your head to each side after swimming to help water drain
- Gently dry the outer ear with a towel (never poke cotton buds into the canal)
- Use swimming caps or earplugs for regular swimmers
- Make DryEars part of the post-swim routine, just like sunscreen and a towel
The bottom line
Swimmer's ear is common, but a little prevention goes a long way. A quick spray of DryEars after every swim helps keep ears dry and comfortable all summer long.
DryEars is available online & you'll find it at your local pharmacy, including Chemist Warehouse.
From blocked ears, to mouth ulcers and dry eyes, BioRevive brings you products you know you can trust.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
