What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Despite its name, you don’t actually need to swim to get swimmer’s ear. Any situation that damages or irritates the delicate skin lining the ear canal can lead to infection.
Common Causes Include:
- Water trapped in the ear canals after swimming, bathing, or showering
- Exposure to water with high bacteria levels, such as poorly treated pools or natural bodies of water
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis that cause dryness, cracking, or irritation
- Small cuts or scrapes from cotton swabs, fingernails, or hairpins
- An untreated middle ear infection where infected fluid drains outward
The ear canal skin is thin and sensitive. Once it becomes irritated, bacteria or fungus can enter more easily and multiply.
Another overlooked cause is earwax (wax) buildup. While wax normally protects the ear, too much of it can trap moisture and cause a blockage, increasing the risk of infection.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear symptoms can look like other ear infections, which is why proper evaluation is important. Symptoms may start mild and worsen quickly if untreated.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling on the outer ear or tragus
- Pain when chewing, yawning, or moving the jaw
- Itchiness in the affected ear (often the first sign)
- Drainage from the ear that may be clear, cloudy, or smelly
- Redness or swelling of the outer ear or ear canal
- Muffled or distorted hearing due to swelling or blockage
- A feeling of fullness or pressure
- Fever (this requires prompt medical attention)
Pain is often worse on one side, but swimmer’s ear can affect both ears. If pain becomes severe or spreads, seeing a doctor right away is important.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosed?
An audiologist or doctor can diagnose swimmer’s ear by examining the ear canal with an otoscope. This tool allows them to look closely at the skin, wax, and any discharge.
During the exam, the provider may:
- Look for redness, swelling, or peeling skin
- Check for trapped fluid, debris, or wax
- Gently move the ear or ask the patient to move their jaw to see if pain increases
In some cases, a sample of ear drainage may be taken to identify a specific fungus or bacteria. This helps guide treatment, especially if symptoms do not improve as expected.
Getting professional information and diagnosis matters. Untreated swimmer’s ear can spread and cause serious complications.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?
Treatment depends on how severe the infection is, but early care usually leads to quick relief.
Eardrops
Most cases are treated with prescription or over-the-counter eardrops. These drops may contain antibiotics, antifungal medicine, or steroids to reduce swelling and irritation.
Antibiotics
If the infection is more advanced, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. These are often combined with drops to speed healing and reduce pain.
Suction or Gentle Cleaning
If swelling or wax prevents drops from reaching the infected area, an audiologist may gently clean the ear canal using suction. In some cases, a small sponge or wick is placed in the ear to help deliver medication deeper into the canal.
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort while the infection heals.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Prevention is one of the best ways to protect your ears and avoid repeat infections.
Helpful Tips and Ways to Prevent Infection:
- Keep ears dry after swimming or bathing
- Gently dry the outer ear with a towel
- Use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting held far from the ear
- Tilt your head to each side to help water drain
- Wear earplugs or custom swim molds when swimming
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ears
- Do not try to remove wax on your own
Protecting the ear canal skin is a key part of ear health.
Swimmer’s Ear Risk Factors
Some people are more likely to develop swimmer’s ear than others.
Risk Factors Include:
- Frequent swimming or water exposure
- Living in areas with high humidity
- Excess sweating
- Using earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids often
- Having narrow or curved ear canals
- Existing skin conditions
- Repeated use of cotton swabs
Understanding these risks can help you take steps to protect your ears.
Swimmer’s Ear Complications
Most cases heal well with treatment, but complications can happen if care is delayed.
Possible complications include:
- Temporary hearing loss
- Chronic outer ear infections
- Spread of infection to nearby tissue
- Damage near the eardrum
- Rare but serious bone or nerve involvement
Prompt care reduces these risks significantly.
When to See an Audiologist
You should schedule an appointment with an audiologist if:
- Pain is severe or worsening
- You notice fever or spreading redness
- Drainage continues
- Hearing becomes noticeably worse
Getting professional services early can prevent long-term problems.
At Abilene Audiology, expert hearing care starts with trusted audiologists in Abilene, TX.
Hearing Problems? See An Audiologist Today!
Swimmer’s ear is a common and treatable condition, but it should never be ignored. Symptoms like ear pain, itching, drainage, or hearing changes are signals that something is wrong inside the ear canals.
If you have questions, concerns, or symptoms that do not improve, seeing a qualified professional is the safest next step. Early treatment protects your hearing, reduces pain, and supports long-term ear health.
If you or someone in your family needs help (swimmer or not), schedule an appointment with an audiologist to get accurate information and proper care.