Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal that commonly occurs during summer due to water exposure. To prevent it, keep ears dry, avoid inserting objects into the ear, and consider using earplugs or drying ear drops after swimming. People with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions should be especially cautious.
"Real Housewives of Orange County" star Alexis Bellino sought help from Dr. Terry Dubrow after a year-old cartilage ear piercing became infected and lodged in her ear following an accidental bump. Dubrow, known for his work on "Botched," successfully removed the earring without making any incisions, and Bellino expressed gratitude for his swift and painless assistance, vowing to avoid getting another cartilage piercing in the future.
A mom banned her sister-in-law from babysitting her daughter after the sister-in-law used breastmilk to treat the girl's ear infection without permission. The mom was enraged and argued with her sister-in-law, leading to hurt feelings all around. Commenters agreed that non-parental figures should not make medical decisions for children without consent, and advised the mom to set boundaries with her sister-in-law while acknowledging her good intentions. Trusting parental intuition is important, and while breastmilk may have healing properties for the baby it's biologically designed for, consequential decisions should not be made for other people’s kids without their active consent.
Apple's AirPods Max headphones have been linked to complaints of ear infections and discomfort, with some users reporting symptoms such as itching, wetness, and discharge. A lawsuit against Apple mentioned a "condensation death" defect that allowed moisture to collect inside the ear cups. Experts warn that anything trapping moisture in the ear canal may cause inflammation and lead to infection, advising users to keep their headphones clean and take breaks from prolonged use to allow the ear to ventilate.
A woman in Lansing, Michigan, visited her doctor for an ear infection and was shocked to learn that she had a benign pituitary brain tumor. Despite the diagnosis, she remained determined to pursue her goals and continued her education, graduating on time. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive about one's health and not ignoring potential symptoms, urging others to seek medical attention when something feels wrong.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has been dealing with an ear infection that has limited his participation in training camp. Hockenson, who had an impressive season last year, expressed his frustration at not being able to fully participate but is focused on getting ready for the upcoming season. The Vikings have identified Hockenson as a player they want to sign to a contract extension, along with receiver Justin Jefferson. In Hockenson's absence, the team has been relying on free agent signee Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt.