Swimming, Ear Wax, and Blocked Ears: What Auckland Families Should Know

Summer in Auckland means long days at the beach, splashing in backyard pools, and swimming lessons at local pools. For many families, it is the highlight of the year. But with all that time in the water, ear-related issues often become more common—particularly blocked ears, discomfort, and concerns about ear wax.

Understanding how water affects your ears and what you can do to care for your family's hearing health may help you enjoy the summer months with fewer interruptions.

Why Ears and Water Do Not Always Mix

Our ears are designed to be largely self-cleaning, with ear wax playing an important protective role. However, frequent exposure to water can sometimes disrupt this natural process.

When water enters the ear canal, it can become trapped—especially if there is existing ear wax. This creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria may thrive. The result can be discomfort, temporary hearing changes, or in some cases, infection.

Children are often more susceptible to these issues because their ear canals tend to be narrower than adults'. If your child spends a lot of time swimming during summer, it is worth being aware of the signs that something might not be quite right.

Common Ear Issues During Summer

Several ear-related concerns tend to increase during the warmer months. Recognising these early may help you decide when to seek professional advice.

Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. It often develops when water remains in the ear after swimming, creating conditions that allow bacteria to grow.

Signs may include:

● Itching in the ear canal

● Redness inside the ear

● Discomfort that worsens when the outer ear is touched or pulled

● Fluid or residue draining from the ear

● Muffled hearing

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or your child, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional. Early attention can sometimes prevent the issue from worsening.

Blocked Ears from Wax and Water

Ear wax is completely normal and serves to protect the ear canal from dust, debris, and bacteria. However, when water gets into an ear that already has a build-up of wax, the wax can swell and cause a blocked feeling.

This can result in:

● A sensation of fullness in the ear

● Reduced hearing on the affected side

● Discomfort or mild pain

● Ringing or buzzing sounds

Many people instinctively reach for cotton buds when this happens, but this often pushes the wax further into the ear canal and can make the problem worse. If blocked ears persist, professional removal may be a safer option.

Temporary Hearing Changes

After a day at the pool or beach, it is not unusual to notice that hearing seems slightly muffled. In many cases, this resolves on its own once the water drains naturally. However, if the sensation continues for more than a day or two, or if it is accompanied by pain, it may be sensible to have the ears checked.

An audiologist in Auckland can assess whether there is a blockage, infection, or another issue affecting hearing. This is particularly important for children, as untreated ear problems can sometimes affect speech and language development.

Caring for Your Family's Ears During Summer

A few simple habits may help reduce the likelihood of ear problems during the swimming season.

Dry Ears After Swimming

Encouraging children to tilt their heads to each side after swimming can help water drain naturally from the ear canals. Gently drying the outer ear with a soft towel is also helpful. Certain sprays can be used after swimming to dry the ears more thoroughly. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal itself.

Consider Ear Protection

For children who swim frequently or are prone to ear infections, swimming earplugs or a neoprene headband may offer some protection. These products are designed to reduce the amount of water entering the ear canal. Your audiologist can advise on suitable options.

Avoid Cotton Buds

It can be tempting to use cotton buds to clean ears or remove water, but this often causes more harm than good. Cotton buds can push wax deeper into the ear, damage the delicate skin of the ear canal, or even injure the eardrum. The ears are generally better left to clean themselves.

Watch for Warning Signs

Keep an eye out for any signs that your child might be experiencing ear discomfort. Younger children may tug at their ears, seem irritable, or have difficulty hearing. If you notice any concerning symptoms, seeking advice sooner rather than later is generally sensible.

When Professional Help May Be Needed

While many minor ear issues resolve on their own, some situations call for professional assessment. If your child experiences persistent pain, discharge from the ear, significant hearing changes, or symptoms that do not improve after a few days, it may be time to seek help.

For blocked ears caused by wax build-up, professional ear cleaning can be a safe and effective option. Techniques such as ear microsuction use gentle suction to remove wax without the need for water irrigation, which can be particularly suitable for those with sensitive ears.

If you have concerns about your child's hearing more broadly—perhaps they seem to struggle to hear in noisy environments or frequently ask for things to be repeated—a hearing assessment may be worthwhile. Conditions such as Auditory Processing Disorder can sometimes be mistaken for simple inattention, but early identification may help with appropriate support.

Enjoying Summer with Healthy Ears

Water play is an important part of childhood, and there is no need to avoid swimming out of fear of ear problems. With a little awareness and some simple preventive steps, most families can enjoy the water all summer long without significant issues.

If problems do arise, prompt attention usually leads to straightforward resolution. The key is knowing what to look for and when to seek advice.

Support for Auckland Families

Soundskills Family Hearing Centre provides hearing services for families across Auckland, including ear wax removal and hearing assessments for children and adults. If you have questions about your family's ear health this summer, professional guidance may help put your mind at ease.

Every situation is different, and what works for one family may not suit another. If you are unsure whether an ear concern needs attention, a quick check with a hearing professional in Auckland can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.