Quick Answer
Summer swimming, heat, and changes in routine can all affect ear health, sometimes causing blocked or uncomfortable ears that people tend to dismiss. Dogs are far more obvious about ear discomfort than humans are. If your ears feel blocked, itchy, or muffled after swimming or a holiday, a FREE Ear Health Check at angli-EAR Hearing is a straightforward way to find out what is going on.
A note from Teddy. Golden Retriever. Pawdiologist.
I want to talk about ears. Specifically, I want to talk about what happens to ears in summer, and why humans are so remarkably poor at noticing when something is wrong with theirs.
We dogs are not like this. When something is bothering one of our ears, we say so. We shake our heads. We scratch. We tilt to one side in a way that communicates, quite clearly, that something requires attention. Nobody looks at a dog doing this and thinks: he’s probably fine, it’ll sort itself out.
And yet.
I have observed humans ignoring the very same signals in themselves for weeks. Months, sometimes. A persistent itch, a feeling of fullness, a muffled quality to sounds that was not there before. Summer tends to bring all of this on, for reasons I will explain. But first, the signals.
What are the signs of ear discomfort that people tend to ignore?
If a dog is shaking its head repeatedly, scratching at one ear, or holding its head at an angle, its owner books a vet appointment. This is sensible. These are clear signals that something is wrong.
Humans display the same signals and then do nothing. They don’t tend to tilt their heads quizzically in quite the same way, I’ll grant you, but the rest of it is remarkably familiar. An ear that feels blocked or full. One that itches persistently. Sound that seems slightly further away than it should. A faint crackling when swallowing. Any of these, in a dog, would prompt immediate action. In a human, they tend to prompt a wait-and-see approach that can last considerably longer than is sensible.
Summer makes all of this more likely, for several reasons.
Why do ears feel blocked or uncomfortable in summer?
Swimming is the obvious one. Water in the ear canal is very common after a swim, and for most people it clears on its own. But when it does not, it creates a warm, damp environment that is rather hospitable to bacteria. This is sometimes called swimmer’s ear, and it is more common than people realise.
Heat also softens earwax, which can cause it to shift in ways that feel odd or cause a temporary blockage. Holidays complicate things further: new environments, changes in air pressure from flying, air conditioning, and the general disruption of routine can all have a small but noticeable effect on how ears feel and function.
None of this is alarming in itself. But ears do not tend to resolve their own problems out of politeness, and waiting until October is not a strategy I would recommend.
Buddy went in the paddling pool last week and spent twenty minutes afterwards shaking his head with some vigour. He was seen to immediately by Daddy (Editors note: Trevor). I make no further observations on the subject of who in this household takes ear health very seriously.
Can water in the ear cause hearing problems?
Temporarily, yes. Water trapped in the ear canal can muffle sound and create a feeling of fullness that is distinctly uncomfortable. For most people this resolves within a day or two. If it does not, or if it is accompanied by pain, discharge, or a significant change in hearing, it is worth having someone look at it properly.
The important thing is not to attempt to resolve it yourself with cotton buds. I am aware that audiologists say this constantly and that it makes very little difference. I will say it anyway: please do not put anything in your ear canal that is smaller than your elbow. Nothing good has ever come of it, and I speak as someone who once ate a pine cone.
What is a FREE Ear Health Check and what does it involve?
At angli-EAR Hearing, a FREE Ear Health Check is a short appointment in which a qualified audiologist takes a proper look at your ears using a specialist camera. You will be able to see what they see on a screen, which most people find either reassuring or fascinating, occasionally both.
If there is wax causing a blockage, or anything else worth noting, the audiologist will explain what they have found and talk through the options. There is no obligation to do anything, and no pressure. It is simply a chance to find out what is actually going on, rather than hoping for the best.
Which is, I feel I should point out, exactly the approach nobody would take with a dog.
You can book a FREE Ear Health Check online or by calling 01223 661399.
Teddy
Pawdiologist. Golden Retriever. Dictated but not read.
(Buddy is sitting facing the wall for reasons he has not shared.)
Frequently asked questions
How do I get water out of my ear after swimming?
Tilting your head to the side and gently pulling the outer ear in different directions can help water drain. A warm, dry towel held against the ear sometimes helps too. Avoid cotton buds, which can push wax or debris further into the canal. If the feeling of fullness or muffled hearing persists beyond a day or two, it is worth having your ears checked by a professional.
What is swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, usually caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. It can cause itching, discomfort, and in some cases pain or discharge. It is treated with antibiotic ear drops prescribed by a GP. If you suspect you have it, it is worth being seen promptly rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
Can earwax cause problems in summer?
Yes. Heat can soften earwax, causing it to shift and temporarily block the ear canal. This can create a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing. A FREE Ear Health Check at angli-EAR Hearing can establish whether wax is the cause and what, if anything, needs to be done about it.
What does a FREE Ear Health Check involve?
A qualified audiologist examines your ears using a specialist camera, so you can see exactly what they see on a screen. If anything needs attention, they will explain what they have found and talk through the options. There is no charge and no obligation. You can book at angliearhearing.co.uk or by calling 01223 661399.
When should I see someone about ear discomfort?
If you have ear pain, discharge, significant hearing loss, or a feeling of blockage that has not resolved within a couple of days, it is worth being seen. A FREE Ear Health Check booked online is a good starting point for anything that does not require urgent medical attention. For sudden or severe symptoms, contact your GP.
