If you use eardrops in monsoon, stop right now!

Are you obsessed with using eardrops? If you nodded yes, today is the day you must stop, especially with the monsoon raging fast as it can also pose challenges for your ear health.

Dr Rajesh Dhir, Senior ENT Consultant at HearClear, explains how increased humidity during monsoons can impact your ears and why using eardrops can make it worse.

Monsoon’s high humidity creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, significantly increasing the risk of ear infections. These infections can cause itchiness, redness, swelling, and discharge in the ear canal.

Swimmer’s ear, another common monsoon-related problem, is a bacterial or fungal infection of the outer ear canal, Dr Dhir said. It can lead to severe pain, redness, swelling, and even greenish-yellow pus discharge, potentially blocking the ear canal and affecting hearing.

Humidity can also affect earwax production, he added. “Moist air softens earwax, which can harden and cause blockages during drier periods. Additionally, fluctuating humidity levels can worsen tinnitus, a condition characterised by ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears,” Dr Dhir said.

Eardrops: A solution or a risk?

While eardrops might seem like a quick fix for ear discomfort during monsoons, Dr Dhir warns against self-medication. Using over-the-counter or unprescribed eardrops can do more harm than good. They might:

Worsen Earwax Blockage: Certain drops can stimulate excess earwax production, further aggravating the problem.

Cause Irritation and Inflammation: Ingredients in some eardrops can irritate the ear canal, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Remember, early diagnosis and proper medical care are crucial for addressing any ear problems you might encounter. (file)

Trigger Antibiotic Resistance: Using antibiotic eardrops without a doctor’s guidance can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Potentially Lead to Hearing Loss: In severe cases, misuse of eardrops can damage the ear canal and affect hearing.

Essential ear care tips for the monsoon season

Here are some simple steps Dr Dhir suggested you can take to protect your ears during the monsoon:

Regular Ear Cleaning: Regularly clean your ears with a soft, damp cloth to remove excess earwax. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push wax further into the ear canal and cause infections.

Protect Hearing Aids: If you wear hearing aids, use dehumidifiers, or protective covers to shield them from moisture damage. Clean and maintain your hearing aids regularly to ensure their optimal functioning.

Limit Water Activities: Avoid swimming or other water activities during heavy monsoon rains to minimise the risk of contaminated water entering your ears and causing infections.

Consult a Doctor: If you experience any ear pain, discomfort, discharge, or worsening tinnitus, consult an ENT specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

By following these tips and avoiding self-medication with eardrops, you can ensure your ears stay healthy and comfortable throughout the monsoon season. Remember, early diagnosis and proper medical care are crucial for addressing any ear problems you might encounter.

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