India, Oct. 20 -- Stepping out of the pool only to find one ear feeling blocked can be uncomfortable, especially when your hearing seems muffled. While swimming is generally safe for your ears, water trapped in the outer ear canal can cause temporary discomfort and, in some cases, lead to irritation or an infection.

In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Punam Kumari, head audiologist at Centre for Hearing, explains, "Swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal - the passage that runs from the outside of the ear to the eardrum. Earwax helps protect the canal by providing a natural barrier against moisture and germs."

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