Children with a good tympanic membrane perforation are advised to learn to swim after three months to minimize the adverse effects caused by premature water ingress into the ear.
Perforated eardrums are associated with ear infections, direct or indirect injuries, and often cause ear pain and hearing loss. Usually children who have healed from a tympanic membrane perforation can learn to swim after three months. Water in the ear too early may increase the risk of ear diseases such as otitis media or recurrence of tympanic membrane perforation.
It is important to note that the ears need to be kept clean and dry on a daily basis, and medicinal drops should not be put into the ear canal without authorization. When learning to swim, avoid high diving and scuba diving to avoid recurrence of tympanic membrane perforation.
Parents are advised to pay attention to the care of children with perforated eardrums and to take them to the doctor for regular checkups.