Summer Otitis: A Common Condition During Hot Weather that Could Lead to Deafness – Edomex Al Día
During the summer season in Mexico City in June 2024, the rising temperatures lead many families to visit rivers, beaches, pools, and engage in water activities. While these activities are refreshing, they also increase the risk of contracting ear infections, such as external otitis, commonly known as summer otitis.
External otitis is more prevalent during the hot season, causing intense pain and, in some cases, leading to serious complications in the ear. MED-EL, a leader in auditory solutions, emphasizes that untreated infections can result in partial or total hearing loss. Therefore, early detection and consultation with specialists are crucial, as self-medication could worsen the condition and cause irreversible damage.
This condition occurs when the external auditory canal becomes inflamed, usually due to contaminated water entering the ear. According to the Ministry of Health, external otitis is common, affecting 10% of the global population at some point in their lives, with a higher prevalence in adolescents and adults.
«The presence of chemicals in pool water increases the risk of ear infections by promoting the growth of bacteria and fungi. If this bacterial invasion is not properly treated, it could lead to hearing problems and develop into total deafness if complications arise. Once this happens, only specialists can offer personalized solutions, such as hearing devices or cochlear implants,» says Dr. Dulce María García Jacuinde, Audiologist and Clinical Support at MED-EL Mexico.
Common symptoms of external otitis include ear pain (otalgia), ear discharge (otorrhea), itching, blockage, and/or a sense of hearing loss. Additionally, affected individuals may experience difficulty chewing and general discomfort, such as dizziness or headaches.
According to MED-EL, summer otitis affects certain individuals more, including:
– Children: who are especially prone due to spending a lot of time in water activities and having narrower ear canals that trap water easily.
– Frequent swimmers: individuals who regularly swim in pools, lakes, or the sea have a higher risk due to constant water contact.
– People with sensitive skin: those with delicate skin or skin issues in the ear, such as eczema, are more likely to experience irritation and infections.
– People with weakened immune systems: individuals with low defenses are more susceptible to infections in general.
Although the extreme heat and season invite people to relax and cool off, it is essential to consult a specialist if auditory problems arise. In case of any anomaly, seeking the opinion of a professional is crucial, as an early diagnosis could significantly contribute to maintaining a good quality of life.
About MED-EL
MED-EL, a leader in auditory solutions, is driven by the mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication. The private company based in Austria was founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose innovative research led to the development of the world’s first successful multichannel cochlear implant (CI) in 1977, laying the foundation for today’s modern cochlear implant. This set a precedent for the company’s successful growth in 1990. To date, MED-EL has expanded to over 2,300 employees worldwide and 30 direct offices.
The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, allowing people in 134 countries to enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s auditory solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electroacoustic stimulation hearing implant system, brainstem auditory implants, as well as surgical and non-surgical bone conduction devices. Learn more about our solutions at www.medel.com/latam
FB: MED-EL Latin America
LinkedIn: MED-EL Latin America
Website: www.medel.com/esl
www.hearingagain.com
YouTube: MED-EL Latin America
