Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection that often starts when water gets trapped in the ear canal. This article explains what causes it, how to spot symptoms like pain and itchiness, and what treatments work best. You’ll also learn simple prevention tips, especially if you swim often or spend time at the pool.
Swimmer’s ear can be uncomfortable, painful, and frustrating, especially during warm months when people swim more. Many people first notice swimmer’s ear after time at the pool or after a long shower, when the ear starts to feel sore, clogged, or itchy. If you are a frequent swimmer, this problem can happen more than once if you do not take the right steps. At WNC Audiology in Asheville, NC, we help patients understand what is happening in their ears and when it’s time to see a hearing professional or a doctor to get an ear checkup.
In this guide, we explain what causes swimmer’s ear, what symptoms to watch for, how it is treated, and how good prevention habits can protect your ears.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. This is the tube that runs from the outside of the ear to the eardrum. Swimmer’s ear often happens when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a warm, wet space where bacteria or fungus can grow.
Even if you do not swim often, swimmer’s ear can still happen. Water from a bath, shower, or sweaty workout can get trapped inside the ear. High humidity can also make your ears stay moist longer, which increases your risk.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
The most common cause is trapped water, but other things can also raise the risk.
1. Trapped Water and Moisture
When water stays in the ear canal, the skin can soften. This makes it easier for germs to enter and grow. This is why swimmer’s ear is common after swimming, water sports, and time at the pool.
2. High Humidity
Hot, sticky weather can keep the ear canal moist, even when you are not swimming. In high humidity, sweat and moisture can stay trapped, making bacteria grow faster.
3. Scratches Inside the Ear
Cotton swabs, fingernails, and other objects can scratch the ear canal. Even a small scratch can cause irritation and give germs a way in.
4. Too Much Earwax
Earwax usually protects the ear. But too much earwax can trap water behind it. That trapped moisture can lead to infection, itchiness, and pain.
5. Skin Problems
Eczema, allergies, and other skin conditions can make the ear canal dry and irritated. Then the skin can crack, which can lead to infection.
6. Narrow or Curved Ear Canals
Some people naturally trap water more easily, especially children and frequent swimmers.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear can start mild and then get worse. Symptoms can include:
- Itchiness inside the ear (often an early sign)
- Redness or swelling
- Ear pain (especially when pulling the ear)
- A feeling of fullness or blockage
- Drainage (clear, yellow, or thick fluid)
- Muffled hearing
- Tenderness around the ear
If the infection worsens, pain may spread to the jaw or side of the face. If you have severe pain, fever, or swelling that spreads, it is important to see a doctor right away.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosed?
A hearing professional or doctor can diagnose swimmer’s ear by looking inside the ear canal. The exam is quick and does not hurt. During the visit, they may:
- Check for swelling, redness, or drainage
- Look for fluid, irritation, or blockage
- Ask about swimming, humidity, or recent illness
- Make sure the eardrum looks healthy
Sometimes, if there is a lot of drainage, the provider may test it to see if bacteria or fungi are causing the problem.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?
Swimmer’s ear usually improves quickly when treated the right way.
1. Ear Drops
Most swimmer’s ear infections are treated with prescription ear drops. These drops may contain:
- Antibiotics (for bacteria)
- Antifungal medicine (for fungus)
- Steroids (to reduce swelling and itchiness)
2. Keep the Ear Dry
This is a big part of healing. Avoid swimming and keep water out of the ear until it gets better.
3. Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help lower pain and swelling.
4. Warm Compress
A warm cloth held against the ear can feel soothing and help ease pain.
5. Professional Cleaning (If Needed)
If earwax or debris is causing a blockage, a professional may gently remove it. This helps the ear drops work better.
Do not try to treat swimmer’s ear with home tools or cotton swabs. That can make the infection worse.
Why You Should Avoid Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs often push wax deeper into the ear canal. They can also scratch the skin, which causes irritation and raises the risk of swimmer’s ear.
Cotton swabs can lead to:
- More blockage
- More itchiness
- More pain
- A longer infection
A safer option is to clean only the outside of the ear with a washcloth.
Prevention Tips: How to Help Stop Swimmer’s Ear
Good prevention matters, especially if you are a swimmer or spend time at the pool.
1. Dry Your Ears After Swimming
After the pool or shower:
- Tilt your head side to side to let water drain
- Use a towel to dry the outer ear
- You can gently pull the earlobe to help water come out
2. Wear Swim Earplugs
Swim earplugs help keep water out. This can be very helpful for kids and frequent swimmers.
3. Avoid Putting Things in Your Ears
No cotton swabs, hair pins, or fingers. These can cause scratches and irritation.
4. Ask About Drying Drops
Some people use drying drops after swimming. These are not right for everyone, so ask a hearing professional or doctor first, especially if you have ear tubes or a history of ear problems.
WNC Audiology connects you to an expert audiologist in Asheville, NC.
5. Manage Earwax Safely
If you build up wax often, consider professional earwax removal. Too much wax can trap moisture and raise your risk of swimmer’s ear.
6. Be Careful in Humid Weather
In high humidity, ears can stay damp longer. Try to keep your ears dry and avoid leaving wet earbuds in for long periods.
What Happens If Swimmer’s Ear Is Not Treated?
Untreated swimmer’s ear can cause complications, such as:
- Ongoing infection (chronic swimmer’s ear)
- Worse swelling that blocks the ear canal
- More hearing trouble
- Infection spreading into the nearby tissue
- Narrowing of the ear canal from scarring
If pain is getting worse, if swelling spreads, or if symptoms last more than a few days, contact a doctor or hearing professional.
When to See a Doctor or Audiologist
It’s time to get help if you notice:
- Ear pain that does not improve in 1–2 days
- Drainage or bad smell
- Fever
- Strong itchiness with swelling
- Hearing feels muffled or blocked
- Symptoms after swimming that keep returning
At WNC Audiology in Asheville, NC, we can evaluate your ears and help you understand what is going on. If you need medical treatment from a doctor, we can help guide you toward the right next step.
Final Thoughts
Swimmer’s ear is a common infection, especially for anyone who is a regular swimmer or spends time at the pool. It often starts when water and moisture stay trapped in the ear canal, and high humidity can make it worse. Early symptoms like pain and itchiness are signs to take seriously. The good news is that swimmer’s ear usually gets better with the right care, like ear drops, keeping the ear dry, and avoiding cotton swabs.
If you think you have swimmer’s ear, do not wait until symptoms get worse. Getting help early can prevent blockage, protect your hearing, and help you feel better faster.
If you are in Asheville, NC, WNC Audiology is here to support your ear health and guide you to the right care, whether that means simple prevention tips or a visit with a doctor for treatment.Contact us today!