Swimmer’s Ear: What It Is, How to Prevent It, and When to See an ENT
As temperatures rise and pool season approaches, ear pain and discomfort become a more frequent concern—especially for children and frequent swimmers. One of the most common causes of this warm-weather ear trouble is swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what swimmer’s ear is, why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if it develops.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal—the passage that runs from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. Unlike middle ear infections (which happen behind the eardrum), swimmer’s ear affects the external part of the ear and is typically caused by bacteria or, less commonly, fungi.
Water that gets trapped in the ear canal—often from swimming, bathing, or even heavy sweating—creates a moist environment where bacteria can grow. The longer the water remains, the higher the risk of irritation and infection.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Symptoms usually begin mildly but can worsen if left untreated. Look out for:
Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the outer ear
Itching in the ear canal
Drainage of clear fluid, pus, or a foul smell
Fullness in the ear or muffled hearing
Redness or swelling of the outer ear
In more advanced cases, the infection may spread and cause swollen lymph nodes or fever.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
While trapped water is the most common trigger, other contributing factors include:
Overcleaning the ears with cotton swabs, which can remove protective earwax or scratch the ear canal
Using earbuds or hearing aids without proper cleaning
Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the ear canal
Swimming in polluted water
Who’s Most at Risk?
Children and teens who swim frequently
People with narrow or hairy ear canals that trap water more easily
Those with skin sensitivities or allergies
Individuals with chronic earwax buildup or frequent use of in-ear devices
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Good ear hygiene and prevention strategies can go a long way:
✅ Dry ears thoroughly
After swimming or bathing, gently towel-dry your ears. You can also tilt your head and pull on the earlobe to help water drain out. A hair dryer on the lowest setting, held at least a foot away, can help dry out the canal.
✅ Use earplugs while swimming
Special earplugs made for swimmers can help keep water out entirely.
✅ Avoid inserting objects into the ear
This includes cotton swabs, fingers, or anything else that could scratch or damage the canal.
✅ Ask your doctor about drying drops
Over-the-counter or prescription ear drops can help prevent infection after water exposure, especially for those prone to recurrent swimmer’s ear.
Treatment Options
If you or your child develops swimmer’s ear, early treatment is key. An ENT provider will typically:
Examine the ear to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Clean the ear canal, if necessary, to remove debris or drainage.
Prescribe antibiotic ear drops, possibly with a steroid to reduce inflammation.
In more severe cases, oral antibiotics or antifungal medications may be used.
Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with discomfort during treatment.
When to See an ENT Specialist
While some mild cases resolve with over-the-counter drops, you should see an ENT if:
Pain is severe or getting worse
There’s swelling around the ear or face
You experience hearing loss
The infection doesn’t improve within a few days of starting treatment
You have diabetes or a weakened immune system, which can increase risk of complications
Recurrent swimmer’s ear may indicate an underlying issue like eczema, chronic moisture retention, or even a structural problem in the ear canal—something an ENT can help you manage long term.
Swim Smart This Season
Swimmer’s ear is common, but it’s also very preventable. With proper care and attention, you and your family can enjoy the water without the pain, swelling, and frustration of ear infections.
If you or your child is prone to swimmer’s ear—or you're not sure what's causing ear discomfort—our ENT specialists are here to help. Schedule an evaluation today and head into summer with peace of mind.