Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s Ear

Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate

Spring is here, and everyone enjoys the beach or the pool. The fun can quickly turn painful because of a swimmer’s ear. The ear canal may trap excess moisture in your ear canal. The skin inside becomes soggy, diluting the acidity that usually prevents infection. A cut in the lining of the ear canal also can allow bacteria to penetrate the skin. When this happens, bacteria and fungi from contaminated water or objects placed in the ear can grow and cause a condition called swimmer’s ear (acute otitis externa).

Symptoms:

Recognizing the symptoms of a swimmer’s ear early is crucial. They usually appear within a few days of exposure to contaminated water and may include severe pain when moving your outer ear, pain or discomfort in or around your ear, and hearing loss. Usually, only one ear is involved. Itching of your outer ear. Swelling in your ear or lymph nodes in your neck. The feeling of fullness or stuffiness in your ear. If you notice any of these, it’s important to take action and seek medical advice.

Very Common:

It’s important to remember that swimmer’s ear is a common issue, particularly among children and young adults. If a skin condition such as eczema causes you to scratch your ears excessively, you may be at increased risk of infection. Earwax buildup also may increase your risk by trapping water in your ear and increasing the likelihood that you’ll cut the skin while cleaning your ear. You’re not alone in this, and there are steps you can take to prevent it.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have pain, swelling, or drainage from your ear. Swimmer’s ear is usually not serious, but complications can occur if it isn’t treated. Complications may include hearing loss and recurrent outer ear infections (chronic otitis externa).

Treatment:

It’s important to remember that a swimmer’s ear is treatable. Treatment aims to clear up the infection. This may include cleaning, eardrops, and/or oral medications. With the right treatment and care, you can overcome swimmer’s ear.

Prevention:

To avoid a swimmer’s ear:

	Dry your ears thoroughly after exposure to moisture from swimming or bathing.
	Never insert your finger or any other object into your ear.
	Avoid swimming in polluted water.
	Use earplugs explicitly designed to keep water out of your ears when swimming.
	Mix 1-part white vinegar with 1 part alcohol to make an effective eardrop before and after swimming.
	Pour one teaspoon solution into each ear and let it drain back out. This mixture may help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer’s ear.