Swimmer's Ear: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Prevent It

There's nothing quite like enjoying a swim on a hot day. That is until your ear starts itching, hurting, or feeling clogged afterward.

You might assume water is simply trapped in your ear. But if the discomfort continues or worsens, you could have swimmer's ear, a common infection of the outer ear canal.

The good news is that swimmer's ear is usually easy to treat when caught early. Understanding the symptoms, getting appropriate treatment, and taking a few preventive steps can help protect your ears and hearing.

What Is Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, the passage connecting the outside of your ear to your eardrum.

It most commonly develops when moisture remains in the ear canal, creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. Although bacterial infections are the most common cause, fungi and noninfectious skin irritation can also affect the outer ear.

And despite its name, you don't have to be a swimmer to get swimmer's ear. Showering, bathing, using cotton swabs, and even certain skin problems can contribute to its development.

Unlike a middle-ear infection, which occurs behind the eardrum, swimmer's ear affects the ear canal itself.

What Causes Swimmer's Ear?

Your ears have natural defenses against infection. Earwax helps protect the ear canal by trapping debris, maintaining a healthy environment, and discouraging bacterial growth.

However, when the ear canal stays wet or its protective skin becomes irritated, infection becomes more likely.

Common contributing factors include:

• Trapped moisture: Water remaining in the ear after swimming, showering, or bathing.

• Cotton swabs and excessive cleaning: Removing protective earwax or scratching the delicate skin in the ear canal.

• Skin irritation: Eczema, psoriasis, or reactions to hair products and other chemicals.

• Earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs: Devices that irritate the ear canal or trap moisture when not properly maintained.

• Narrow ear canals: Certain ear canal shapes can make it more difficult for water to drain.

• Swimming in contaminated water: Increased exposure to bacteria may raise the risk of infection.

One important misconception: Having earwax doesn't mean your ears are dirty. In fact, removing too much earwax can increase your risk of swimmer's ear.

What Are the Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear?

Symptoms can range from mild irritation to significant pain and swelling.

Common signs include:

• Itching inside the ear canal

• Ear pain, especially when pulling on the outer ear

• Tenderness when pressing the small cartilage flap in front of the ear canal

• Redness or swelling

• Fluid or discharge from the ear

• A clogged or plugged sensation

• Muffled or temporarily reduced hearing

One distinguishing feature of swimmer's ear is pain when you touch or gently pull the outer ear. This can help distinguish it from other ear problems, but a professional examination is needed for a diagnosis.

If the infection worsens, pain and swelling may increase, and the ear canal may become partially blocked.

Fever, spreading redness, severe pain, or swelling around the ear requires prompt medical attention.

How Is Swimmer's Ear Treated?

Fortunately, most uncomplicated cases of swimmer's ear respond well to appropriate medical treatment.

However, the best treatment depends on the infection's severity, your eardrum's health, and other medical factors.

1. Prescription Ear Drops

Prescription ear drops are generally the first-line treatment for uncomplicated swimmer's ear.

Depending on the infection, a medical provider may prescribe drops containing an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory medication, or a combination of ingredients.

These medications target the infection directly in the ear canal.

Follow the prescribed instructions and complete the recommended treatment, even if your symptoms improve quickly.

If you have ear tubes or a perforated eardrum, certain drops may be unsafe. Always tell your provider about any previous ear surgery or eardrum problems.

2. Managing Pain and Swelling

Swimmer's ear can be surprisingly painful, particularly when the ear canal becomes inflamed.

Your healthcare provider may recommend appropriate over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if these medications are safe for you.

A warm compress against the outside of the ear may also provide some comfort.

Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal or attempting to clean it yourself.

3. Professional Ear Canal Cleaning

If swelling, discharge, or debris prevents medication from reaching the affected area, a qualified medical professional may need to carefully clean the ear canal.

In some cases, a small wick is placed inside the ear canal to help prescribed drops reach the inflamed tissue.

Do not attempt this at home. Improper cleaning can irritate the ear canal or worsen the infection.

4. Keeping the Ear Dry During Recovery

While you're being treated, it's important to keep the affected ear dry and avoid swimming until your healthcare provider says it's safe to return.

Don't use earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs in the infected ear if they cause pain or irritation. Ask your provider about safe use during recovery.

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery's clinical practice guideline, topical treatment is recommended for most uncomplicated cases. Oral antibiotics generally aren't necessary unless the infection extends beyond the ear canal or other medical factors are present.

How Long Does Swimmer's Ear Last?

With appropriate treatment, many people begin noticing improvement within 48 to 72 hours.

Most uncomplicated cases resolve within about 7 to 10 days, though recovery varies with infection severity.

If your symptoms aren't improving within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment, contact your medical provider for reassessment.

Persistent pain, swelling, or drainage may mean the medication isn't reaching the infection, you need a different treatment, or another problem is causing your symptoms.

Can You Treat Swimmer's Ear at Home?

Mild ear irritation doesn't always mean you have an infection. However, once swimmer's ear develops, home remedies aren't a reliable substitute for appropriate medical treatment.

Some internet recommendations suggest using rubbing alcohol, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or homemade ear drops.

These substances can irritate an already inflamed ear canal and may be harmful if you have a perforated eardrum or ear tubes.

If you suspect an active infection, don't put homemade solutions into your ear without medical guidance.

Instead, keep your ear dry, avoid inserting objects, and arrange an examination.

6 Ways to Prevent Swimmer's Ear

A few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing swimmer's ear.

1. Dry Your Ears After Swimming

Gently tilt your head to each side after swimming or showering to allow trapped water to drain.

You can also carefully pull your earlobe in different directions to help water escape.

Dry your outer ears with a towel, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.

2. Consider Swim Earplugs

If you're prone to swimmer's ear, properly fitted swim earplugs may help keep water out.

Custom-fitted swim molds can be especially useful for frequent swimmers or those who struggle with standard earplugs.

Unlike ordinary hearing protection designed to reduce noise, swim plugs aim to prevent water from entering the ears.

3. Stop Using Cotton Swabs Inside Your Ears

Cotton swabs can scratch the ear canal, push wax deeper, and remove the protective layer of earwax that helps prevent infections.

Your ears are generally self-cleaning. Unless you have excessive earwax buildup or another specific concern, routine cleaning inside the canal usually isn't necessary.

4. Be Careful With Ear-Drying Drops

Some people benefit from commercially available ear-drying drops after swimming, but they aren't appropriate for everyone.

Never use ear-drying drops if you have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, active swimmer's ear, or drainage from the ear unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

5. Keep Earbuds and Hearing Devices Clean

Earbuds, hearing aids, and other devices that sit in or around the ear canal should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Avoid sharing earbuds, and allow devices to dry properly when exposed to moisture.

If a device repeatedly causes irritation, discomfort, or moisture buildup, ask your audiologist to assess its fit.

6. Address Excess Earwax Safely

Although earwax is protective, excessive buildup can occasionally trap moisture and contribute to discomfort.

If you experience recurring blockages, consider professional earwax removal rather than trying to remove the wax yourself.

For additional prevention recommendations, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's swimmer's ear guidance.

Can Swimmer's Ear Cause Hearing Loss or Tinnitus?

Yes. Swimmer's ear can temporarily affect your hearing when swelling, discharge, or debris blocks the ear canal.

You may notice muffled sounds or a plugged-up feeling in your ear.

Some people also experience tinnitus, such as ringing or buzzing, while their ear is inflamed or their hearing is temporarily reduced.

In many cases, hearing returns to normal after the infection resolves.

However, persistent hearing changes or tinnitus shouldn't automatically be blamed on swimmer's ear.

If your hearing doesn't return to normal after treatment, a comprehensive hearing assessment can help determine whether another issue is contributing to your symptoms.

Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, requires immediate medical evaluation, even if you believe water or an ear infection caused it.

When Should You See a Doctor for Swimmer's Ear?

If you experience ear pain, itching, swelling, or drainage, schedule an appointment with a medical provider.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or worsening ear pain

• Fever or swelling around the ear

• Redness spreading beyond the ear canal

• Significant ear drainage

• Hearing changes that persist or worsen

• Symptoms that aren't improving after treatment

People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should seek medical evaluation promptly because certain outer-ear infections can become more serious.

In rare cases, an infection can spread to nearby tissues and bone, a serious complication called necrotizing otitis externa.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swimmer's Ear

Can you get swimmer's ear without swimming?

Absolutely. Although swimming is a common cause, swimmer's ear can also develop after showering, bathing, using cotton swabs, or irritating the ear canal. Anything that creates excess moisture or damages the protective skin of the ear canal can increase your risk.

Is swimmer's ear contagious?

No. Swimmer's ear generally isn't contagious and doesn't spread from person to person. It usually develops when bacteria multiply in the ear canal after moisture or irritation disrupts the ear's natural defenses.

Can swimmer's ear go away on its own?

Mild irritation may improve without treatment, but a true bacterial infection often requires prescription ear drops. Waiting can allow the infection to worsen, particularly if you have significant pain or swelling.

What's the difference between swimmer's ear and an ear infection?

Swimmer's ear affects the outer ear canal, while a typical middle-ear infection occurs behind the eardrum. Swimmer's ear often causes pain when you touch or pull the outer ear. Both can cause discomfort and temporary hearing changes, but treatment differs.

Can I wear hearing aids if I have swimmer's ear?

If your ear canal is infected, wearing a hearing aid may be uncomfortable and could aggravate irritation. Ask your treating medical provider whether you should temporarily stop wearing the device in the affected ear. Once the infection resolves, your audiologist can assess the fit and help you maintain proper device hygiene.

Should I avoid swimming while being treated for swimmer's ear?

Yes. Keeping the infected ear dry is an important part of recovery. Avoid swimming until your healthcare provider confirms that it's safe to return. Returning too early can add moisture and delay healing.

Why does my ear still feel clogged after swimmer's ear treatment?

Lingering inflammation or debris may temporarily affect hearing even as an infection improves. However, persistent fullness can also be caused by earwax, middle-ear problems, or hearing loss. If the plugged sensation doesn't resolve, have your ear and hearing evaluated.

Protect Your Ears and Your Hearing

Swimmer's ear is common, uncomfortable, and usually treatable. The key is recognizing the symptoms early, getting appropriate medical treatment, and protecting your ears from excess moisture and irritation.

At Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center, our Doctors of Audiology specialize in hearing healthcare, tinnitus, and other auditory concerns.

While active ear infections generally require medical treatment from a physician or other qualified prescribing clinician, our team can evaluate hearing changes, assess earwax concerns, and determine when you may need additional medical care.

With nine locations throughout Colorado and Arizona, we're committed to personalized care that helps you hear your best.

If you're experiencing persistent muffled hearing, tinnitus, or ear-related concerns, we're here to help you find answers.

Schedule an appointment with Sound Relief.