Postural changes during showering affect the entry of water into the ear canal.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to demonstrate the effect of postural changes in keeping the ears dry during showering.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, single blinded trial.


METHODS
Tertiary otolaryngological unit.


METHODS
Forty adult volunteers were recruited and randomly allocated to have a shower either with a head down or a head up posture.


METHODS
Presence of fluorescein in the deeper ear canal.


RESULTS
Ninety-three per cent of ears in the head down group had no fluorescein and 95% of ears in the head up group showed the presence of fluorescein, indicating presence of water in the deeper ear canals.


CONCLUSIONS
When a head down position was assumed during showering, water did not enter the deeper part of the ear canal in 93% of ears.
Ibrahim
S I
SI
Mal
R K
RK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001494:Baths; D004424:Ear Canal; D005260:Female; D019793:Fluorescein; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014867:Water
D014867:Water; D019793:Fluorescein