In a completely different medical context, "patched" refers to Tympanoplasty —surgical repair of a perforated eardrum. If you have a history of ear infections or trauma, water entering through a perforation can cause serious issues, and an ENT might surgically patch the eardrum with a graft (often fascia tissue). However, for the average swimmer with simple muffled hearing, this is rarely the case.
Disposable waterproof ear patches, such as those from brands like muffled hearing after swimming patched
The doctor nodded. “You’ve got a small patch of dry, peeled skin stuck to your eardrum. Basically, the force of the water sheared off a tiny flake of skin from your ear canal, and it landed right on the drum like a little blanket. It’s blocking the vibration.” In a completely different medical context, "patched" refers
If your hearing is muffled, tilt your head, use gravity, and avoid digging. If the blockage feels like thick wax, use softening drops. If it hurts, see a doctor. Disposable waterproof ear patches, such as those from