It’s important for children to get used to water as infants and begin swimming lessons as a toddler. This promotes awareness and can have a major impact on drowning prevention. Despite all of the benefits of getting your child in the pool, water exposure may increase the risk of ear infection. By age three, five out of six children have had an ear infection.
Ear Infections
Even when treated, ear infections can cause severe discomfort in children, who don’t understand why their ears hurt. Left untreated, ear infections can lead to permanent damage to the ears and auditory system. Along with ear infections, parents should be aware of the risks of swimmer’s ear and surfer’s ear. Swimmers ear is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria while surfer’s ear refers to bony growth in the ear canal caused by swimming in very cold water (often lakes and rivers).
It’s important for parents to remain aware of the risks of ear infection, swimmer’s ear and surfer’s ear as their children learn to enjoy pool time. Even with great caution, though, many children are prone to ear infections throughout childhood. If your child is at high risk or you are concerned about the consequences of ear infections in your child, pediatric swim molds are a great option.
Swim Molds
Pediatric swim molds are custom made waterproof silicone earplugs that prevent any water from entering the ear canal. These swim molds can be used during pool time and for other water activities. Many parents also use them to keep water out of their child’s ears during baths or showers. They are comfortable, reliable and easy to wear, making them a great option for children of any age.
If you’re interested in how pediatric swim molds can help prevent ear infections for your child, the first step is to make an appointment with an audiologist. During this appointment, your doctor will make special molds of your child’s ears, which will be used by the manufacturer to create a one-of-a-kind set of swimmer’s earplugs.
Once your child begins using pediatric swim molds, it will remain important for you to monitor their earplugs to ensure they still fit snug and tightly in the ear canal. We are here to guide you through the fitting and monitoring process to ensure your child stays free from painful ear infections.
Call Advanced Ear, Nose & Throat at (702) 834-5886 for more information or to schedule an appointment.