What is swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, refers to inflammation or infection of the ear canal, the passage stretching from the eardrum to the outer ear. Unlike a middle ear infection (which lies behind the eardrum), this condition affects the outer canal. Although anyone can develop swimmer’s ear, it is especially common in children and young teens. Also known as otitis externa, swimmer’s ear generally responds quickly to treatment. There are also simple steps you can take to help prevent it.
What are the symptoms of swimmer’s ear?
Typical signs of swimmer’s ear include:
- Sharp or throbbing pain in the outer ear that worsens with head movement, ear tugging, or chewing
- An itchy sensation deep inside the ear canal
- Swelling or redness within the ear passage
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- A wet, squelching, or popping sound when you move your jaw or ear
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Ringing or humming noises inside the ear
- Discharge that may be clear and watery or thick like pus
What causes swimmer’s ear?
This infection often develops when water remains trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that supports bacterial growth. Other contributing factors include:
- Residual moisture, Water stuck in the ear, especially if it’s dirty or heavily chlorinated, encourages bacteria to multiply.
- Physical trauma, Rubbing or scratching the ear with fingernails, cotton swabs, earbuds, or hearing aids can harm the canal’s delicate skin and invite infection.
- Chemical irritants, Hairspray, shampoo, and hair dye can irritate and weaken the ear canal lining.
- Secondary infections, A preexisting middle ear infection can spread outward.
- Diabetes, Altered earwax pH in diabetic individuals may make the canal more susceptible to germs.
- Folliculitis, Infected or inflamed hair follicles inside the ear add to the risk.
- Narrow canals, A tight or constricted ear canal may trap moisture and debris more easily.
How is swimmer’s ear diagnosed?
A healthcare professional can confirm swimmer’s ear by examining your ear canal with an otoscope and checking that the eardrum is undamaged.
Complications of swimmer’s ear
Most cases resolve without issue, but possible complications include:
- Temporary hearing loss
- Recurrent or lingering infections (chronic otitis externa)
- Scar tissue that narrows the ear canal
- Spread of infection to facial tissues, causing pain and swelling
- Rare instances of cellulitis (deep skin infection)
In very uncommon, severe scenarios, bacteria can invade the skull’s bone or cartilage, causing intense pain. Untreated, this may extend to the brain or cranial nerves, especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.
How is swimmer’s ear treated?
Treatment typically involves prescription ear drops containing antibiotics (and sometimes steroids). It often helps to have someone else instill the drops, and most people feel better within one to three days. You may also apply warm compresses or take over-the-counter pain relievers for comfort. While you’re healing, avoid:
- Getting water into the ear canal (pause swimming and wear a shower cap)
- Inserting objects or fingers into the ear
- Scratching or touching the inside of the ear
If the infection is particularly stubborn, your clinician might place a small gauze wick in the ear canal to help medication penetrate deeper.
How to prevent swimmer’s ear?
To lower your risk:
- Avoid swimming in polluted or dirty water
- Use earplugs when you swim
- Tilt your head from side to side after swimming to let water drain out
- Dry your ears thoroughly with a towel or a hairdryer on low heat
- Place cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly in your ears when using hair products
- Never insert foreign objects into the ear canal
- Keep your nails trimmed to prevent accidental scratching
- After water exposure, use water-displacing ear drops recommended by your pharmacist
When should you see a doctor?
If you suspect swimmer’s ear or have any ear pain, seek medical evaluation to get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you experience dizziness or facial muscle weakness along with ear pain, obtain immediate care, these may signal a medical emergency.