Swimmin...& Ears...

[zoralsurgeon]

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Hey guys!

I heard that some people after swimming and having water in their ears will use isopropyl alcohol to make it evaporate and get the water out....say it works instantly.

I was talking with some classmates (in dental school) and we were curious if prolonged use of the OH could cause damage to the ear drum? Then, I said, I know who to ask....! And here I am...

Please fill me in.

Note to mod's - please delete the thread i started in Otolaryngology...Thx 😀

 

[ar2388]

very interesting question.. would love to know the answer as i swim!

 

[link2swim06]

I swam competitively year around for about 11 years .

You don't need alcohol. Tilt your head and use your smallest finger... you barely have to stick it in your ear cannel and the water will come out. If it doesn't come out then it is likely stuck behind wax. Go to the doctor and they can remove the wax for you.

Swimmers ear (otitis externa) is a different story but I don't think that is what you are talking about.

 

[zoralsurgeon]

ha ha; i dont use alcohol, i use the technique you speak of!!! but back to my question - for those that choose to use alcohol - will prolonged use damage the drum? does the wax protect the drum from damage from alcohol??

 

[loveoforganic2]

Go ask your doctor

 

[zoralsurgeon]

People! This is NOT a question I am asking because I USE alcohol in my ears! I don't, you can use your finger for free! My classmates and I were curious what WOULD happen to people that use it longterm.

Would you go to the dentist to ask about an occlusal orthotic you have NO need for? No. Likewise, I will not be going to my physician and pay for an office visit to ask about this hypothetical question. All I am asking for is a little education, not medical advice...geez..take a chill pill...

And for future reference, if I ever do need to seek medical attention, remind me to not go to you.

 

[loveoforganic2]

That's crazy, I actually just met with my dentist today to discuss occlusal orthotics

 

[Banned]

People! This is NOT a question I am asking because I USE alcohol in my ears! I don't, you can use your finger for free! My classmates and I were curious what WOULD happen to people that use it longterm.

Would you go to the dentist to ask about an occlusal orthotic you have NO need for? No. Likewise, I will not be going to my physician and pay for an office visit to ask about this hypothetical question. All I am asking for is a little education, not medical advice...geez..take a chill pill...

And for future reference, if I ever do need to seek medical attention, remind me to not go to you.

Okay... Bye.

 

[zoralsurgeon]

That's crazy, I actually just met with my dentist today to discuss occlusal orthotics

Lol you smartass 🙂

 

[zoralsurgeon]

I like how the ENT peeps helped me immediately. No BS. Remember you're goal in this profession should be to help others. Later

 

[Pons Asinorum]

I like how the ENT peeps helped me immediately. No BS. Remember you're goal in this profession should be to help others. Later

Probably because they actually knew the answer, perhaps?

 

[Anastomoses]

I like how the ENT peeps helped me immediately. No BS. Remember you're goal in this profession should be to help others. Later

I scrolled all the way down waiting for the answer...so? what is it?

 

[CherryRedDracul]

In general, as long as isopropyl alcohol isn't used excessively in the ear, there shouldn't be any serious complications. Usage should be ceased if irritation occurs and rubbing alcohol should not be used if there was recent ear surgery (pretty obvious).

 

[Kahreek]

pro tip: tilt your head and jump on one foot. No fingers needed.

 

[Rendar5]

You're upset because medical students don't automatically know the answer to something a specialist knows? That's like being upset at the predental student for not knowing how to do a root canal...

 

[7starmantis]

Please tell me this is a joke.

Have any of you ventured a gander at the ingredients of your swim ear drops?