[Teflonic]

I would get ear infections if I didn’t twirl a cotton swab deep in the ears to soak up moisture after showering.

[buccaneer81]

By doing that you’re damaging your hearing in the long run by damaging the cilia in the ear canal.

[max americana]

Many years ago, I had an ear infection/build up of ear wax and regardless of the medical stuff the ear specialist did on my ear, he still insisted that I still NOT use swabs. Ever. He never recommended it nor anyone who specializes in his field.

[reformedliberal]

Use the products marketed for this, such as Swim Ear. I also need to keep my ears dry and I love to swim. I use the silicon ear *plugs* (they actually just cover the ear opening) and also use a couple of drops of Swim ear after exposure to water. You could also use the ear covers in the shower.

I went from having a major fungal infection every summer to having none after using the ear covers, adding Swim Ear only whenever I had an inadvertent failure of the silicon, since the Swim Ear is drying and can be irritating if used regularly. I think shooters use them to prevent sound damage, as well.

[Signalman]

I would get ear infections if I didn’t twirl a cotton swab deep in the ears to soak up moisture after showering.

Medical Term: Otitis Externa (swimmer's ear). I've had it, on and off, for years. Cotton swabs after shower and, when required, prescription antibiotic eardrops.

[Ladysmith]

What scuba divers use for Swimmers Ear:

1 part white vinegar
1 part rubbing alcohol

Works nicely on my sensitive ear.