Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an outer ear canal infection that often occurs when water remains trapped in the ear. This moist environment allows bacteria or fungi to grow and cause infection. While it’s commonly linked to swimming, anyone can get swimmer’s ear from moisture, injury, or irritation in the ear canal.
At Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers, our hearing aid specialists are trained to help identify ear concerns like swimmer’s ear and guide you to the appropriate care. If you’re experiencing ear pain or discomfort, don’t wait—early attention can prevent complications.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear develops when the natural defenses of your ear are compromised. Normally, your ears are equipped to handle some moisture and keep harmful microbes at bay. However, when too much moisture, injury, or irritation occurs, it creates an ideal environment for infection.
Here’s what typically causes swimmer’s ear:
- Water trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing
- Damage from using cotton swabs or fingernails
- Allergic reactions to hair products or jewelry
- Use of hearing aids or earplugs that irritate the ear canal
These factors allow bacteria or fungi to take hold and multiply, leading to inflammation and discomfort.
The Ear’s Natural Defenses
Your ears are naturally self-cleaning and protected by several defense mechanisms. The ear canal is slightly acidic and lined with tiny hairs and cerumen (earwax). Cerumen plays a critical role in:
- Trapping dust and debris
- Preventing bacterial and fungal growth
- Repelling water due to its oily texture
The curved shape of the ear canal also helps prevent deep intrusion by water and foreign objects. When these defenses are disturbed by cleaning too aggressively, frequent water exposure, or allergies, it’s easier for infections like swimmer’s ear to take hold. That’s why understanding and respecting your ear’s natural processes is essential to preventing problems.
Why Do People Get Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear typically occurs when the ear’s natural protection is overwhelmed. This can happen due to:
- Excess moisture in the ear – from swimming, showers, or humid environments
- Scratches or abrasions in the ear canal – from cotton swabs, fingernails, or hearing devices
- Sensitivity reactions – to hair sprays, dyes, earrings, or even ear plugs
Any one of these triggers can weaken your ear’s defenses, making it easier for bacteria or fungi to grow and cause infection.
What Are the Signs of Swimmer’s Ear?
Mild Signs and Symptoms
- Itching in the ear canal
- Slight redness or discomfort
- Clear, odorless fluid drainage
Moderate Progression
- Increased pain, especially when touching the ear
- More pronounced redness and swelling
- Drainage becomes cloudy or yellowish
Advanced Progression
- Severe pain radiating to the neck or face
- Complete blockage of the ear canal
- Fever and swollen lymph nodes
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional typically diagnoses swimmer’s ear through a physical exam. Using an otoscope, they will look inside your ear to check for redness, swelling, and fluid buildup. They might also gently tug on your outer ear—if this causes pain, it can be a key sign of otitis externa.
In some cases, fluid from the ear may be sampled to identify the specific bacteria or fungus causing the infection. This ensures the most effective treatment is used, especially if symptoms don’t improve quickly.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. In most cases, your provider will:
- Prescribe antibiotic ear drops to kill bacteria
- Recommend steroid drops to reduce swelling
- Suggest pain relievers for comfort
If your ear is swollen shut, the provider may insert a small wick to help the drops reach the infected area. It’s also important to keep the ear dry during the healing process and avoid inserting anything into the canal.
Severe infections may require oral antibiotics or a referral to a specialist.
Can Swimmer’s Ear Be Prevented?
Yes! While swimmer’s ear can be painful and annoying, it’s often preventable with simple steps:
- Keep ears dry: After swimming or showering, gently towel dry your ears and tilt your head to let water drain out.
- Use swimming gear properly: Wear a swim cap or waterproof earplugs designed for water use.
- Avoid foreign objects: Don’t use cotton swabs or fingers to clean the inside of your ears. Let ear wax do its job.
- Protect ears from irritants: Be cautious with hair dyes, sprays, and jewelry that can irritate the ear canal.
- Be extra careful after injury or infection: If you’ve had a recent ear infection, injury, or surgery, give your ears time to heal before exposing them to water again.
Regular ear care and awareness can go a long way in keeping infections at bay.
Swimmer’s Ear Risk Factors
- Frequent swimming (especially in warm or unclean water)
- Use of ear devices (hearing aids, earbuds, etc.)
- Excessive ear cleaning
- Existing skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
- Narrow ear canals
- History of ear infections
Swimmer’s Ear: Complications
While swimmer’s ear is usually treatable, ignoring symptoms can lead to serious complications:
- Temporary hearing loss: Swelling and fluid buildup can block sound transmission.
- Chronic otitis externa: The infection may become long-lasting or repeatedly return.
- Cellulitis: The infection can spread into deeper layers of skin.
- Bone and cartilage damage: Known as malignant otitis externa, this rare condition affects the skull base, mostly in people with diabetes or weakened immune systems.
- Spread of infection: In severe cases, the infection can spread to nearby tissues, nerves, or even the brain, though this is rare.
Prompt treatment is the best way to avoid these complications.
Conclusion
Swimmer’s ear can start with a simple itch and quickly turn into something much more painful. If you notice any signs like ear discomfort, discharge, or muffled hearing, it’s important to seek professional help right away. Early care can prevent the infection from worsening and help protect your hearing health.
At Rose Hearing Healthcare Centers, our hearing aid specialists are here to support your ear care needs. Don’t ignore discomfort—schedule your visit today and get expert guidance for healthy ears all year round.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with expert hearing specialists in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, SC.