Water Precautions after Ear Surgery: Current Status in the United Kingdom

Background: Patients are traditionally advised to refrain from exposing their ears to water after most otological procedures. However, recent evidence suggests that water does not adversely affect the outcome of children with tympanostomy tubes. The evidence behind the potential harmful effects of water on the outcome of other otolological procedures is scarce.

Aim: The study was done to determine the current practice of otolaryngologists in the UK on the advice given to patients regarding swimming, diving, and bathing in soapy water after myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion, mastoidectomy, and myringoplasty.

Method: Questionnaire-based survey mailed to 382 members of the British Association of Otolaryngologists—Head and Neck Surgeons in the UK.

Results: A total of 195 responses were received (reply rate 51%). In all, 95.6% of the respondents allowed their patients to swim after insertion of tympanostomy tubes, with 32.9% insisting on the use of ear plugs until extrusion of the tympanostomy tubes. However, 61.6% of the respondents restricted diving in these patients. In comparison, the respondents were more conservative with water precautions following myringoplasty and mastoidectomy. More than half the respondents recommended earplugs for bathing after all three operations.

Conclusion: This study reveals current national practice among UK otolaryngologists. There is no general consensus in postoperative advice following otolaryngological procedures, thus indicating a need for national guidelines.