How to Protect Your Ears for Fall Sports

Posted on by Advanced ENT & Allergy

When thinking of ways to protect the body while playing sports, the ears may not often come to mind. Some sports, particularly in the fall, present unique challenges that can affect ear health. Taking a few precautions can help protect your ears, so you can enjoy the season without discomfort or injury.

Some examples of sports to consider ear health while participating include:

Football

Wrestler protection

Football is a high-contact sport that comes with hard hits, which could create the risk of ear injuries. While helmets protect the head, they can’t always shield ears from pressure or trauma. One common injury is an ear contusion, which can happen when a blow to the side of the head damages the ear tissue. Generally, ear contusions are minor but can present risks to ear function if they occur frequently.

To protect your ears during football:

  • Wear a properly fitted helmet: Ensure the helmet fits snugly to provide full coverage around the ears. A helmet that’s too loose can allow for unnecessary impact around the ears.
  • Watch out for loud environments: Whether on the field or the sidelines, football games can be incredibly loud. Consider using ear protection when in particularly noisy settings to avoid strain or discomfort.

Wrestling

Wrestling may also pose challenges for ear health. Wrestling is also a physical sport which can result in continued trauma to the ear. One well-known condition in wrestling is “cauliflower ear,” a deformity caused by blunt trauma or friction, leading to swelling and hardening of the ear tissue. Cauliflower ear can occur to anyone but is especially common among wrestlers, boxers and martial artists.

To avoid ear injuries in wrestling:

  • Use protective headgear: Headgear with ear guards is essential in wrestling. It protects the ears from direct blows and prevents the buildup of fluid or damage that can lead to cauliflower ear.
  • Address injuries early: If you notice swelling or bruising in your ear, seek medical attention immediately. Untreated injuries can lead to permanent damage or require surgical intervention.

Indoor Swimming

While swimming may seem less hazardous for your ears compared to contact sports, it comes with its own risks. Moisture and bacteria from pool water can become trapped in the ear canal, leading to conditions like swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear, also known as otitis media.

To protect your ears while swimming:

  • Wear earplugs: Waterproof earplugs can keep water from entering your ear canal, reducing the risk of infection. Make sure they fit well to block out moisture effectively.
  • Dry your ears thoroughly: After swimming at places like NL Aquatic Center, use a towel to gently dry your ears, and consider tilting your head to help drain any excess water. You can also use over-the-counter ear drops to help evaporate moisture.

Protecting your ears during fall sports is just as important as protecting other parts of your body. Protecting your ear health is essential in protecting your overall ENT health.

To learn more about promoting healthy ENT habits, schedule an appointment with Advanced ENT & Allergy today.