I have been advised to keep my ears dry due to cholesteatoma. what happens if you get a cholesteatoma wet?

Infection: The water carries bacteria from the ear canal skin with it and can cause infection of the cholesteatoma. Such an infection would lead to increased pain, drainage, possible progression of hearing loss. If you have not been advised already, I would consider consultation with an ear surgeon to have the cholesteatoma removed to make your ear dry and safe., particularly at your age.