Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It usually happens when water stays trapped in your ear, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow. 

If you experience ear pain or discomfort after swimming or showering, our team of expert audiologists can help with diagnosis and treatment to ease your symptoms and protect your ear’s health.

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

The ear’s natural defenses, like earwax (cerumen) and its shape, protect against infections. Ear wax works by trapping dirt and repelling water, while the ear’s curved structure helps prevent harmful substances from entering. However, excess moisture from swimming or bathing can overwhelm these defenses, leading to swimmer’s ear.

Why Do People Get Swimmer’s Ear?

  • Excess Moisture: Water trapped in the ear creates a moist environment in which bacteria or fungi can thrive.
  • Scratches or Abrasions: Cleaning the ear with foreign objects or even scratching can damage the skin in the ear canal.
  • Sensitivity Reactions: Some people are more sensitive to certain hair sprays, dyes, or swimming pool chemicals, which can lead to infection.

What Are the Signs of Swimmer’s Ear?

  • Mild Symptoms: Itching in the ear canal, mild redness, and some drainage of clear fluid.
  • Moderate Progression: Increased itching and pain, along with more noticeable redness and fluid drainage.
  • Advanced Progression: Severe pain that may spread to the neck, face, or side of the head, complete blockage of the ear canal, and sometimes fever.

How is Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosed?

Swimmer’s ear is diagnosed by a healthcare provider who will examine the ear canal. They will use an otoscope to check for redness, swelling, and drainage. In some cases, a sample of fluid might be taken to determine if the infection is caused by bacteria or fungi.

How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?

Treatment usually includes prescription ear drops that contain antibiotics, antifungals, or steroids to reduce swelling and treat the infection. It’s important to keep the ear dry during treatment, and pain relievers may also be recommended to ease discomfort. In severe cases, oral antibiotics might be needed.

Can Swimmer’s Ear Be Prevented?

  • Keep Ears Dry: After swimming or showering, gently dry your ears with a towel or tilt your head to help drain any trapped water.
  • Use Swimming Gear Properly: Wearing earplugs or a swim cap can help keep water out.
  • Avoid Foreign Objects: Never insert cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into the ear.
  • Protect Ears from Irritants: Keep hairsprays, dyes, and other chemicals away from your ears.
  • Be Careful After an Injury or Infection: Let your ears heal before swimming again if they’ve been injured or infected.

Swimmer’s Ear Risk Factors

  • Swimming in natural bodies of water (lakes or oceans)
  • Frequent or long-term swimming
  • Living in humid environments
  • Having a narrow ear canal
  • Cleaning ears with cotton swabs or other objects
  • Using hearing aids or earphones frequently

Swimmer’s Ear: Complications

  • Temporary Hearing Loss: Fluid or swelling can block the ear canal, causing temporary hearing problems.
  • Chronic Otitis Externa: Long-term infection can happen if not treated properly.
  • Cellulitis: The infection can spread to deeper layers of the skin.
  • Bone and Cartilage Damage: Rarely, the infection can spread to the bones and cartilage around the ear.
  • Spreading of Infection: In very severe cases, the infection can reach other parts of the body, including the skull, brain, or nerves.

Audiologists in Washington

If you feel ear pain, itching, or notice any other symptoms of swimmer’s ear, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. 

At Link Audiology, we’re here to help you stay healthy and get the care you need. 

Call us today to schedule an appointment! We have audiology clinics in Vashon and Silverdale, WA.