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Earwax is naturally present in your ear canal to protect it from dirt and bacteria. However, earwax is highly absorbent. When you swim, water can enter the ear and cause existing wax to expand like a sponge. This sudden expansion can completely block the ear canal, leading to an immediate muffled sensation. 3. Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
"Try this," his dad said, coming into the living room with a towel. "The 'hop and tilt.' It always worked for me." muffled ear after swimming
As he walked out into the cooler evening air, he noticed something annoying. His right ear felt heavy, like someone had packed it with wet cotton. Earwax is naturally present in your ear canal
| Symptom | Implication | |---------|--------------| | spreading to jaw/neck | Malignant otitis externa (diabetics, immunocompromised) | | Vertigo (room spinning) + muffling | Perilymph fistula or labyrinthitis | | Facial weakness or numbness | Severe infection involving cranial nerve VII | | Blood or pus from ear | Tympanic membrane perforation | | Muffling after diving >3 meters | Possible barotrauma or round window rupture | | Failed hearing return after 1 week | Chronic effusion or cholesteatoma | This sudden expansion can completely block the ear
(if you have a home otoscope – use cautiously):
