Do you love swimming in the pool, lake, or ocean? Being in the water is fun, but it can sometimes cause a painful ear infection called swimmer’s ear. This condition can make your ear hurt, feel full, and even affect your hearing. In this post, we will explain what swimmer’s ear is, what causes it, how to treat it, and most importantly, how to prevent it
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection in the outer ear canal. This is the part of the ear that leads from the outside of your head to your eardrum. When water gets trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing, it creates a moist environment where bacteria can grow. This can lead to an infection that causes pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Swimmer’s ear is different from a regular ear infection, which happens deeper inside the ear. It mostly affects children, swimmers, and people who spend a lot of time in the water, but anyone can get it.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear happens when water stays in the ear canal for too long. Bacteria love warm, damp places, and when they grow inside the ear, they can cause an infection. Some other things that can increase your risk of getting swimmer’s ear include:
- Frequent swimming or showering – More water in your ears means a higher chance of infection.
- Scratching or cleaning your ear too much – Using cotton swabs or fingernails can damage the skin inside your ear, making it easier for bacteria to get in.
- Using earplugs or hearing aids – These can trap moisture inside the ear if they are not properly dried.
- Having dry, flaky, or irritated skin – Skin conditions like eczema can make your ears more sensitive to infection.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear starts with mild symptoms but can get worse if left untreated. Here are some common signs:
- Ear pain – It may start as mild discomfort but can become very painful.
- Itchy ear – Your ear may feel irritated or ticklish.
- Full or blocked feeling in the ear – It may feel like something is stuck inside.
- Drainage from the ear – You might see clear, yellow, or pus-like fluid coming from the ear.
- Hearing problems – Sounds may seem muffled or unclear.
- Swelling and redness – The ear canal or the outside of your ear may become swollen and tender.
If the infection gets worse, the pain can spread to your face or neck, and you might get a fever. If this happens, see a doctor right away.
Auglaize Audiology connects you to expert audiologists in Ohio.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?
If you think you have swimmer’s ear, it’s important to see a doctor or audiologist. They can check your ear and recommend the right treatment. Some common treatments include:
- Prescription ear drops – These help kill bacteria and reduce swelling.
- Pain relievers – Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain.
- Keeping your ear dry – Avoid swimming or getting water in your ear until it heals.
- Cleaning the ear – A doctor may clean out any fluid or debris from the ear canal.
Never try to clean your ear with cotton swabs, as this can push bacteria deeper inside and make the infection worse.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
The best way to deal with swimmer’s ear is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some easy tips to keep your ears healthy:
- Dry your ears after swimming or bathing – Tilt your head to the side to let water drain out. You can also use a soft towel to gently dry the outside of your ears.
- Use earplugs for swimming – Special swimmer’s earplugs can keep water out of your ears.
- Avoid sticking things in your ears – Don’t use cotton swabs, fingers, or anything else to clean inside your ears. This can damage the skin and increase infection risk.
- Use ear drops after swimming – A few drops of a mixture of half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol can help dry out any trapped water and stop bacteria from growing.
- Keep your ears healthy – If you have skin conditions like eczema, talk to a doctor about how to protect your ears.
When to See a Doctor
Swimmer’s ear can usually be treated at home, but you should see a doctor if:
- Your pain is severe or getting worse.
- You have a fever.
- Your ear is completely blocked and you can’t hear.
- The infection doesn’t get better after a few days of treatment.
A doctor or audiologist can make sure your ear heals properly and help prevent future infections.
Auglaize Audiology connects you to expert audiologists in Ohio. Our clinics are located in Wapakoneta, OH, and Sidney, OH.
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Swimmer’s ear is a common and painful infection, but it can be easily prevented. Keeping your ears dry, avoiding irritants, and following good ear care habits can help you stay healthy. If you or your child experiences symptoms, seek treatment early to avoid complications.
If you have frequent ear infections or need advice on ear health, an audiologist can help.
Schedule an appointment with expert Ohio audiologists today!
