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to use antibiotic ear drops after swimming, and the last group was of nonswimmers. Researchers found no difference in the cases of ear infections or draining ears in any of the groups. Earplugs were deemed completely unnecessary. We’re now telling our patients with ear tubes that they don’t need to wear earplugs while showering or swimming in most circumstances. While a little bit of water isn’t going to hurt, if you plan on diving deep beneath the water, more than 5 feet, then you’ll want to wear earplugs. This applies to scuba diving while on vacation, diving off a diving board, or if your child likes to swim down and touch the bottom of the pool on the deep end. However, if you’re just going to swim some laps or splash around in the shallows, feel free to leave the earplugs at home next time you go to the pool — just don’t leave the sunscreen, too! “When should I wear ear plugs?”
No summer vacation is complete without a trip to the pool. Swimming is a great way to beat the heat, get some exercise, and have fun at the same time. However, if you have ear tubes, you’re probably familiar with the strange sensation of swimming while wearing earplugs. Ear tubes are tiny, hollow cylinders surgically inserted into the ear to deal with persistent drainage or chronic infection. Traditionally, patients with ear tubes or parents of children with ear tubes have been warned of the dangers of water getting into their ears. The fear was that, because the ear tube creates a small passage past the eardrum, water would reach the inner ear through the tube and cause infections. Recently studies have found this may not be the case. A study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery divided 399 children with ear tubes into four groups. The first group was instructed to wear earplugs while swimming, the second group was told to swim without earplugs, the third group was told to swim without earplugs but
EAR TUBES AND SUMMER VACATION
Debunking an Old Myth
Ready to debunk more medical myths? Check out Dr. Evan’s new series of video blogs at TexanENT.com/blog .
Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
With raw zucchini, toasted hazelnuts, and a robust Parmigiano-Reggiano, this early summer salad is a delight of different textures and flavors that will make a great side at your next cookout.
Ingredients
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1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
• • • • •
3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste
• •
Mint leaves, for garnish
Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano- Reggiano, for garnish
Directions
3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice.
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