Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, celebrated every April with joyful water fights across the country. While the splashing and soaking are all part of the fun, prolonged water exposure can pose real risks to your ears and hearing if you’re not careful. Here’s what you need to know:
What Are the Risks of Water Entering the Ears?
-
Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)
Also known as “swimmer’s ear,” caused by trapped water that softens the skin and weakens its protective barrier, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. In people with diabetes, the infection can spread and damage ear bones and nerves.
-
Fungal Ear Infection (Otomycosis)
The hot, humid April weather combined with water exposure encourages fungal growth, causing intense itching, muffled hearing, or unusual discharge resembling white flakes or black spots in the ear.
-
Ruptured Eardrum from Water Pressure
High-pressure water guns or PVC pipes aimed directly into the ear can instantly tear the eardrum, causing sudden hearing loss and risking middle ear infection.
-
Swollen Earwax Blockage
Water causes earwax to absorb moisture and expand, blocking the ear canal and causing pain and muffled hearing.
-
Contamination and Pathogens
Water used during festivals often comes from untreated sources such as canals or moats, which may contain coliform bacteria. Talcum powder or Thai white clay powder called Din Sor Pong, mixed with water can also harden inside the ear canal, causing blockage.
How Can You Prevent It and Care for Yourself?
-
Wear protection
Use waterproof earplugs, ideally moldable silicone or wax types that seal the ear canal completely. A swimming cap that covers the ears adds an extra layer of protection.
-
Avoid high pressure
Do not use high-pressure water guns or spray water directly at anyone’s face or ears.
-
Choose clean water sources
And keep your mouth closed while playing to prevent ingesting pathogens.
-
Special caution
Those with a history of a ruptured eardrum or ear surgery should take extra care and keep water out of their ears entirely.
What Should You Do When Water Gets in Your Ear?
-
Tilt your head
Lean the affected ear downward, parallel to the ground, and gently pull the outer ear upward and backward (for adults) to straighten the ear canal and help water drain out.
-
Use a hair dryer
On the lowest or cool setting, held about 1 foot away from the ear, to help evaporate the moisture.
-
Never do this
Do not use cotton swabs or any hard object to dig in the ear, as this pushes water and earwax deeper toward the eardrum and can cause abrasions and infection.
-
Don’t blow your nose forcefully
While water is in your ear, as the pressure can push pathogens into the middle ear.
If you experience severe ear pain, muffled hearing lasting more than 48 hours, or discharge of pus or blood from the ear, see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist immediately.
