Swimmer’s ear is a type of ear infection that occurs in the ear canal. The ear canal provides a dark, warm, and moist environment, which creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that thrive in water.

The term ‘Swimmer’s Ear’ is used because it predominantly affects individuals who spend a lot of time in water, such as swimmers.

What Conditions Cause Swimmer’s Ear Diseases?

The following conditions can lead to swimmer’s ear discomfort:

• Trapped water in the ear canal due to reasons like swimming or frequent showering.
• Loss of earwax, a natural protective barrier, from excessive water entering the ear canal or when trying to remove too much earwax during cleaning.
• Ear injury caused by inserting objects like fingers, pens, paperclips, or hairpins into the ear.
• Swimming in contaminated water.
• Skin conditions that affect the ear canal, such as eczema or psoriasis.

What Are the Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear Diseases?

• Ear pain: Often worsens when the outer ear is pulled or pressed; the pain can intensify and radiate to the side of the face where the affected ear is.
• Itching in the ear canal.
• Discharge of foul-smelling or colored (yellow, yellow/green) pus from the ear.
• Blocked ear.
• Redness and swelling of the outer ear.
• Temporary hearing loss or reduced hearing.
• Mild fever.

How Is Swimmer’s Ear Diseases Treated?

First, the ear canal is examined, and any pus or fluid is cleaned out. Ear drops containing antibiotics are prescribed. Sometimes, the ear canal can be too narrow or blocked for the ear drops to pass, so a thin gauze or wick is inserted into the ear to help the ear drops reach the blockage and infection. Ear drops are used for 7 to 14 days. Oral antibiotics are rarely used for swimmer’s ear.
An over-the-counter pain reliever can be taken to alleviate pain and swelling. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce itching and inflammation. In cases where the infection has spread beyond the ear canal, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
An infection starting in the inner ear can spread to the cartilage and bone of the ear canal. This is known as malignant external otitis. Facial nerve paralysis is rare but can occur as the infection progresses.

What Can I Do to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear Diseases?

• Keep your ears as dry as possible. Use a shower cap over your head to prevent water or shampoo from entering your ears. Place a cotton ball in your ear, but don’t push it inward. Use a dry towel to dry your ears after bathing or swimming. If you engage in water sports or are frequently in the water, use earplugs.
• After getting out of the water, tilt your head to each side. This helps drain water from your ears.
• Don’t insert anything into your ear canal, including pens/pencils, fingers, bobby pins, or cotton-tipped swabs. (Cotton-tipped swabs should only be used to dry the outer ear.)
• Avoid swimming in contaminated water.
• Do not swallow the water you swim in.