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I am just getting over an ear infection

Starflowerpower87

Starflowerpower87

Well-Known Member
I'm not sure what to do. It says you aren't supposed to get water in your ear even after you have an infection for 6 weeks! But the independent living support program I'm under requires you to bathe frequently. I'm just getting over this ear infection but I did something stupid today. I shoved ear plugs deep into my ears to test if they would stay in when I take a shower. Then I looked it up and you aren't supposed to use those when you have an infection either. Hopefully it didn't make them worse. When I took them out they were full of watery ear wax it was gross. What am I supposed to do if I can't get water in my ear? I haven't washed my hair in a week. I've been trying to get into same day doctors appointments, pharmacy clinics etc but they are booked up.
 
To keep water out of your ears you could try a shower cap.

If the shower head is adjustable, try aiming it so that the spray
hits shoulder area instead of head.

You could stretch time between hair washing by wearing a scarf/bandana
on your head so not much hair shows....

There are products called dry shampoo, to freshen the look of the hair,
to remove oil.

Have you asked support worker(s) for suggestions?
 
Yes they weren't very helpful. One of them told me to use ear plugs just don't put them in far. But when I do that they fall out. Then she suggested washing my hair in the sink. When I do that too much hair gets down the drain. I'm not really sure how to wash my hair in the sink anyway. It would be easier to use the shower. The other worker I have I know well. She would just tell me to wash my hair despite the consequences. I could just use dry shampoo and lie and say I washed it. But I'm not a good liar.
 
I'm assuming you've had a regular ear infection with no chronic health problems, ear deformities, etc.? Only one ear was affected, or both?

If your eardrum (the membrane within your ear) has been perforated, you need to be especially careful with water.

If it was a regular ear infection with no further complications, it's okay for you to take a shower and wash your hair carefully. If only one ear was infected, you can hold your head in the way that the infected ear points downward, so no water runs into it. If both ears were infected, you can bend your head backwards at the neck and use the shower head carefully, trying to get no water into your ears.
The most important thing is to not immerse your head fully under water, such as in a bath or while swimming. Using a shower, it should be okay if you're careful.

Again, all assuming it was a regular ear infection with no larger issues.
 
B
AuroraBorealis said:
I'm assuming you've had a regular ear infection with no chronic health problems, ear deformities, etc.? Only one ear was affected, or both?

If your eardrum (the membrane within your ear) has been perforated, you need to be especially careful with water.

If it was a regular ear infection with no further complications, it's okay for you to take a shower and wash your hair carefully. If only one ear was infected, you can hold your head in the way that the infected ear points downward, so no water runs into it. If both ears were infected, you can bend your head backwards at the neck and use the shower head carefully, trying to get no water into your ears.
The most important thing is to not immerse your head fully under water, such as in a bath or while swimming. Using a shower, it should be okay if you're careful.

Again, all assuming it was a regular ear infection with no larger issues.
Click to expand...
Both ears were effected. But it was a very mild infection and I think it's over now. I still have liquid draining from my ears though.
 
You might try a *do it yourself* ear protectors
made of plastic wrap, the stuff people stretch
over the tops of dishes to put in the refrigerator.

Did either of your ear drums break?
 
Great advice from others. I'd add that every time I've ever washed my hair in a sink, I got water in my ears. I think it is because my head is upside down so water easily flows into the ears. A shower is the way to go.
 
Starflowerpower87 said:
I'm not sure what to do. It says you aren't supposed to get water in your ear even after you have an infection for 6 weeks! But the independent living support program I'm under requires you to bathe frequently. I'm just getting over this ear infection but I did something stupid today. I shoved ear plugs deep into my ears to test if they would stay in when I take a shower. Then I looked it up and you aren't supposed to use those when you have an infection either. Hopefully it didn't make them worse. When I took them out they were full of watery ear wax it was gross. What am I supposed to do if I can't get water in my ear? I haven't washed my hair in a week. I've been trying to get into same day doctors appointments, pharmacy clinics etc but they are booked up.
Click to expand...
A few drops of 70% isopropyl alcohol will quickly evacuate any water. Swimmers and divers often have this common issue with water getting stuck in their ear canals. Tip your head to the side, a few drops, gently massage, then tip your head the other way to empty. Easy enough.
 
Starflowerpower87 said:
Did you have medicine to take (by mouth) for it?

I never took anything for it because I couldn't get in anywhere. Everywhere is booked.
Click to expand...
It must have been exceptionally mild if you recovered without consequences.

Last time I had an ear ache, my ear drum broke. Bled for a week.
And it was six weeks before I could read correctly.

Another way to cover ears, in shower, pretty cheap.
Small plastic sandwich bag and use a rubber band to secure around ear.
 
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