What causes swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa or tropical ear, is usually caused by a bacterial infection. You are more likely to get swimmer's ear if you regularly get water in your ear, such as when you go swimming. A wet ear canal makes it easier to get infected. Your risk increases if the water is not clean.

Damage or irritation to the ear canal can also increase your risk. Your ear canal can be damaged or irritated from:

• scratching inside your ears
• cleaning your ear canal with a cotton bud
• wearing hearing aids

Swimmer's ear can also develop if you have a fungal infection or an allergic reaction to something in your ears, such as ear plugs, medication or shampoo. You may also be more likely to get swimmer’s ear if you have skin problems such as eczema or dermatitis because the skin doesn’t act as a protective barrier.

Swimmer's ear symptoms

The symptoms of swimmer's ear can include:

• ear pain — anywhere from slightly uncomfortable to severe
• itching
• a squelching or popping sensation when you move your ear or jaw
• a feeling of pressure or fullness in your ear
• tenderness when you move your ear or jaw
• trouble hearing

The ear canal might look red and swollen. You might also have a discharge, which can look clear and watery or can look like pus.

Diagnosis of swimmer's ear

See your doctor if you think you might have swimmer's ear. Your doctor will probably examine your ear canal and tympanic membrane to ensure it is not damaged or torn.

Treatment for swimmer's ear

Your doctor will usually prescribe medicated ear drops. If possible, get someone to apply the ear drops for you — it is easier than trying to do it yourself.

In most cases, treatment will improve symptoms within 1 to 3 days. Most people will have few or no symptoms by the end of the first week of treatment. If your symptoms haven't improved by then, see your doctor.

During treatment, you should also:

• avoid getting your ear canal wet — check with your doctor when you can go swimming or participate in water activities, and wear a shower cap while bathing or showering
• avoid inserting anything into your ear canal, including cotton buds
• avoid scratching or touching your ear

How to prevent swimmer's ear

Ways to prevent swimmer's ear include:

• drying your ear canal with a hairdryer — keep the hairdryer on low heat and at least 30 cm away from your ear canal
• using earplugs while swimming
• avoiding swimming in dirty or polluted water
• tilting your head after swimming to remove as much water as possible from your ear canals
• not inserting cotton buds, other objects or your fingers into your ears
• not trying to remove earwax — since it can protect against infection