Swimmer’s Ear: What It Is, How to Prevent It and When to See an ENT

Pools, lakes, beaches, and water parks are a great way to cool off during a warm season across the Gulf South. But sometimes all that time spent in the water can lead to a painful condition known as swimmer's ear.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk—and knowing the early signs can help you get treatment when you need it.

What Is Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal.

It often develops when water remains trapped in the ear canal after swimming or bathing, creating a moist environment where bacteria can thrive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can affect adults and children alike, though it is especially common among kids.

Despite the name, swimming isn't the only potential contributor. Irritation or damage to the skin inside the ear canal—such as from aggressive cleaning, scratching, or skin conditions—can also make it easier for an infection to take hold.

Swimmer's Ear vs. a Middle Ear Infection

Believe it or not - they're not the same thing. A middle ear infection (otitis media) occurs behind the eardrum and is frequently associated with colds, allergies, and upper respiratory illnesses.

Swimmer's ear affects the outer ear canal in front of the eardrum. As outlined by medical experts at the Mayo Clinic, one telltale sign of swimmer's ear is pain when the outer ear is gently tugged or when pressure is placed on the small piece of cartilage (tragus) just in front of the ear canal.

Other symptoms of common ear conditions include:

• Itching inside the ear canal

• Redness, warmth, or swelling of the outer ear

• Ear pain that intensifies when touched

• Clear, odorless fluid or pus drainage from the ear

How Can You Help Prevent Swimmer's Ear?

A few simple habits can help keep your ears healthy during swim season:

• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming: Tilt your head to each side to allow water to drain from the canal, and gently pat the outside of the ear dry with a clean towel.

• Keep objects out of the ear canal: Avoid inserting cotton swabs, fingers, or sharp objects into the ear. These can scratch the delicate skin lining the canal or push earwax deeper.

• Consider ear protection: If you or your child are prone to recurring infections, a bathing cap, well-fitting earplugs, or custom swim molds can keep water out.

• Ask before using ear-drying drops: Alcohol-based drying drops can help evaporate trapped water, but they aren't appropriate for everyone. People with ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, ear drainage, or an active infection should avoid drops unless directed by a physician.

When Should You See a Specialist?

Don't ignore persistent ear pain or drainage. If over-the-counter drying methods don't resolve the issue, or if discomfort worsens, an evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist is recommended.

An ENT specialist can safely examine the ear canal, perform professional cleaning to remove trapped moisture or debris, and prescribe targeted antibiotic ear drops to clear the infection quickly. Catching the problem early helps prevent complications and gets you back to enjoying the water comfortably.

Ear pain putting a damper on summer fun? Explore our comprehensive ear care treatments or find a convenient location near you to schedule an appointment with our team at Southern ENT today.