SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/swim-swimmers-ear-prevention

Which habit helps prevent swimmer's ear?

Dry your ears well, and skip the cotton swabs.

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  1. Clean ears with cotton swabs after every swim
  2. Leave water in your ears to rinse them
  3. Dry your ears well after they get wet ✔

Why: MedlinePlus says to dry your ears very well after they get wet and not to put cotton swabs or other objects in them. Swabs can scratch the skin of the ear canal.

Huh, didn't know that: The AAP says tight-fitting swim caps can help, and ear pain or drainage means see a doctor.

The dad joke
Why did the swimmer always carry a towel to his ear doctor? He liked to keep things ear-ly dry.
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References

Answer: Dry your ears well after they get wet. MedlinePlus says to dry your ears very well after they get wet and not to put cotton swabs or other objects in them. Swabs can scratch the skin of the ear canal.

  1. MedlinePlus: Swimmer's ear medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000622.htm
    DO NOT scratch the ears or insert cotton swabs or other objects in the ears.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. MedlinePlus: Swimmer's ear medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000622.htm
    Dry your ear very well after it has gotten wet.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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