Swimmer’s Ear: Causes, Treatment and How to Prevent It

Swimmer’s ear isn’t only for swimmers. It’s an inflammation or infection of the ear canal, often triggered by water staying in the ear, cotton buds, earphones or skin conditions like eczema. It can be surprisingly painful, but usually clears quickly with the right drops.

Imagine a week of swimming lessons on holiday. Your child starts complaining that their ear itches, then that it hurts. When you gently pull their earlobe, they yelp. Their ear canal looks red and a little swollen. That pain on pulling the ear is a classic clue.

Symptoms

• Ear pain, worse when the ear is pulled or pressed
• Itching in the ear canal
• Discharge and a feeling of fullness
• Muffled hearing

Treatment

• Ear drops prescribed or recommended by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist, often containing an antibiotic, an antifungal, a steroid or acetic acid
• Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Keep the ear dry while it heals and avoid swimming for a week or so
• Don’t put cotton buds or fingers in the ear

Prevention

Tilt your head to drain water after swimming, dry the outer ear with a towel, use well-fitting earplugs or a swimming cap, and avoid cleaning inside the ear canal.

But when is it more serious?

See a doctor promptly if there’s severe pain, fever, swelling spreading to the face or behind the ear, or no improvement after a few days of drops. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system, especially older adults, should get ear infections checked quickly, as a rare but serious form can spread to the bone.

Sources: NHS (Ear infections; Otitis externa), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Swimmer’s ear), American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own nurse, doctor or pharmacist.