Ear Protection at the Beach: Prevent Ear Infections This Summer
Summer in Australia means beach days, swimming, and water fun—but your ears are at risk during all that activity. Practising ear protection at the beach can help reduce the risk of ear infections and keep your summer safe and enjoyable.
Understanding Ear Infection Types:
Ear infections usually fall into two main categories:
| Type | Description & Causes |
| Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear) | Infection of the outer ear canal—often from trapped moisture, water exposure, or inserting objects into the ear. Common in adults. |
| Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) | Occurs when bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear, often following a cold or respiratory illness. Most prevalent in children. |
Some infections can affect the inner ear (like labyrinthitis), which may impact balance and hearing.
According to Healthdirect Australia and the RACGP, middle ear infections are one of the most common reasons Australian children visit a GP.
Why Water and Beaches Can Increase Risk:
Swimming and water exposure can increase the chance of ear infections:
- Water trapped in the ear canal can create a breeding ground for bacteria
- Sand and debris may irritate the ear canal
- Children with grommets or a history of ear infections are particularly vulnerable
Common Causes:
- Viral or bacterial infections from colds or flu
- Sinus congestion or fluid buildup reaching the ear
- Excess earwax trapping bacteria
- Moisture in the ear after swimming or water activities
Recognising Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection:
| General Symptoms | Otitis Externa | Otitis Media | Inner Ear Infection |
| Ear pain, discomfort, hearing loss, fluid discharge, fever | Yes | Yes | Sometimes |
| Redness, itching, pain on touch | Yes | Occasionally | Rare |
| Feeling of fullness or blocked ear | Yes | Yes | Possible |
| Dizziness, vertigo, nausea, balance issues | Yes | Rare | Common (inner ear involvement) |
Seek care from an Ear Nurse if symptoms last more than 2–3 days, or include fever, hearing loss, or discharge.
⚠️ Urgent care is needed for severe ear pain, high fever, sudden hearing loss, or discharge containing blood. Early treatment helps prevent long-term hearing damage.
How to Protect Your Ears at the Beach:
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or showering using a soft towel or gentle ear-drying techniques
- Avoid swimming in polluted or dirty water, particularly for children or anyone with grommets
- Use protective earplugs for swimming if prone to infections
- Maintain vaccinations (e.g., pneumococcal, flu) to reduce infection risks
- Practice good hand hygiene to minimise germs
- Avoid smoke exposure, as it increases infection risk in children
Medical Treatments for Ear Infections:
If an infection does occur, treatments include:
- Antimicrobial ear drops for outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear)
- Oral antibiotics for middle ear infections, particularly in children
- Microsuction cleaning to gently remove wax and debris, improving treatment effectiveness
Serious or Rare Cases
- Inner ear infections may require steroids, vestibular therapy, and monitoring for balance and hearing concerns
- Severe complications like mastoiditis may need surgical intervention
Why Trust The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears:
- Certified Ear Nurses with extensive experience in ear health
- Microsuction: precise, water-free, gentle cleaning suitable for all ages
- Convenient Melbourne locations: Brighton, Epping, East Melbourne, Glen Waverley, Surrey Hills, and Truganina
- Full ear care services: examinations, infection management, wax removal, and personalised treatment plans
For more tips on keeping little ears in safe this summer, see our guide to children’s ear health.