外耳道感染并不少见，特别是在夏季因游泳时常常有水浸入外耳道内，故更容易发病。患病后患者常有外耳道“红、肿、热、痛，甚至流脓”等临床表现。因此，美国疾病控制与预防中心建议大家采取下列措施，以预防外耳道感染和防止因外耳道感染诱发中耳炎而影响听力。

１、游泳时请使用耳塞或泳帽以防止水浸入外耳道。

２、游泳后及时擦干外耳道，此时可将头倾向一侧，用手轻轻牵拉同侧的耳垂，以有利于残存于外耳道的水完全排出，然后可用毛巾擦干耳廓和外耳道口，及其周围部分。

３、不要将异物（如手指、棉签等）插入外耳道。

４、沐浴后可用低速、常温的吹风机干燥外耳道。

５、遇有外耳道盯眝较多时，请不要自行掏取，应请医生协助取出，

６、必要时及时到耳鼻咽喉科会诊，以求得正确的治疗方案。

Health Tip: Prevent Swimmer's Ear

Keep ears as dry as possible

(HealthDay News) -- Swimmer's ear occurs when water builds up in the ear, causing an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness and draining pus.　The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to help prevent swimmer's ear:

１、Keep water out of your ears while swimming by using ear plugs or a bathing cap.

２、Thoroughly dry your ears when you're finished swimming. Tilt your head in each direction, pull gently on your earlobe and pat dry with a towel.

３、Never insert anything (such as a finger or cotton swab) into the ear.

４、Use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting to completely dry your ears.

５、Don't try to remove any ear wax yourself. Seek the help of a physician.