If you’ve ever felt pain, pressure, or itching in your ear after spending time in the pool, lake, or ocean, you may have experienced a condition called swimmer’s ear. While it’s common, swimmer’s ear can become quite painful if not treated properly. At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, we help patients of all ages manage and prevent this outer ear infection so they can stay healthy in and out of the water.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal, the part of your ear that runs from the opening of the ear to the eardrum. Unlike middle ear infections, which often result from colds or allergies, swimmer’s ear is typically caused by water that gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow.
This condition is especially common in children and teens who swim frequently, but it can affect adults as well, particularly during warmer months or in humid environments.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear symptoms often start off mild but can become more severe if the infection progresses. Symptoms may include:
- Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the ear
- Itching in the ear canal
- Redness or swelling of the outer ear
- Drainage of clear, yellow, or sometimes pus-like fluid
- A feeling of fullness in the ear or mild hearing loss
- Tenderness when chewing
In more advanced cases, pain may radiate to the face, neck, or side of the head, and swelling may make it difficult to hear or sleep comfortably.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
The most common cause of swimmer’s ear is excess moisture in the ear canal, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. But moisture isn’t the only risk factor. Other causes and contributing factors include:
- Swimming in untreated or dirty water
- Using cotton swabs or foreign objects to clean the ears, which can scratch the ear canal
- Wearing hearing aids or earbuds for prolonged periods, which can trap moisture
- Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis that affect the ear canal
- Allergic reactions to hair products or ear drops
Once the protective barrier of the ear canal is broken, whether by water, irritation, or injury, it becomes easier for infection to take hold.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosed?
Diagnosing swimmer’s ear is typically straightforward. At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, one of our providers will examine your ear using an otoscope (a lighted instrument) to look for redness, swelling, and fluid in the ear canal. We may also gently press on the tragus (the small flap in front of the ear canal) to check for tenderness, which is a hallmark symptom of swimmer’s ear.
In some cases, if discharge is present, we may take a sample to identify the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection, especially if the condition isn’t improving with standard treatment.
Treatment Options for Swimmer’s Ear
The goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and reduce inflammation. Most cases of swimmer’s ear are mild and respond well to medication. Your treatment plan may include:
- Antibiotic ear drops to clear bacterial infection
- Antifungal drops, if a fungal infection is suspected
- Steroid drops to reduce swelling and pain
- Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for comfort
If the ear canal is swollen shut, we may place a small wick in the ear to help the medication reach deeper into the canal.
During treatment, it’s important to keep the ear dry. That means no swimming and trying to avoid getting water in your ears while showering. Most patients feel relief within a few days, though it may take a full week or more for symptoms to resolve completely.
Preventing Swimmer’s Ear
If you’re prone to swimmer’s ear or spend a lot of time in the water, taking a few simple steps can help prevent future infections:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Tilt your head to each side to let water drain out and gently pat the outside of your ears with a towel.
- Use over-the-counter drying drops after swimming (unless you have ear tubes or a history of ear surgery).
- Avoid inserting anything into your ears, including cotton swabs. The ear canal is self-cleaning.
- Wear earplugs or a swim cap while swimming, especially in natural bodies of water.
- Treat underlying skin conditions or allergies that may affect the ear canal.
If you find yourself dealing with recurrent swimmer’s ear, our team can help you explore long-term prevention strategies.
When to See a Specialist
While mild swimmer’s ear can sometimes be managed at home, it’s best to see a healthcare provider if:
- Symptoms last more than a few days
- Pain becomes severe or spreads beyond the ear
- Hearing is affected
- You develop a fever or swelling in the neck or face
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping
At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, we provide expert care for all types of ear conditions, including swimmer’s ear. Our goal is to help you find fast relief, prevent future infections, and keep your ears healthy year-round.
Expert Ear Care When You Need It
Swimmer’s ear can be painful and frustrating, but with the right treatment and prevention, you don’t have to let it interfere with your lifestyle. Whether you’re an avid swimmer or just dealing with occasional ear discomfort, our ENT specialists are here to help.
Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. We’ll evaluate your symptoms, provide targeted treatment, and help you get back to feeling your best.