Learn About Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. The medical term for swimmer's ear is otitis externa.
Swimmer's ear may be sudden and short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Ear infection - outer ear - acute; Otitis externa - acute; Chronic swimmer's ear; Otitis externa - chronic; Ear infection - outer ear - chronic
Swimmer's ear is more common among children in their teens and young adults. It may occur with a middle ear infection or a respiratory infection such as a cold.
Swimming in unclean water can lead to swimmer's ear. Bacteria commonly often found in water can cause ear infections. Rarely, the infection may be caused by a fungus.
Other causes of swimmer's ear include:
- Scratching the ear or inside the ear which can damage the skin of the ear canal
- Getting something stuck in the ear
Trying to clean (wax from the ear canal) with cotton swabs or small objects can also damage the skin.
Long-term (chronic) swimmer's ear may be due to:
- Allergic reaction to something placed in the ear
- Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
Symptoms of swimmer's ear include:
- Drainage from the ear -- yellow, yellow-green, pus-like, or foul smelling
- Ear pain, which may get worse when you pull on the outer ear
- Hearing loss
- Itching of the ear or ear canal
In most cases, you will need to use antibiotic ear drops for 10 to 14 days. If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be put into the ear. The wick will allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal. Your provider can show you how to do this.
Other treatments may include:
- Antibiotics taken by mouth if you have a middle ear infection or infection that spreads beyond the ear
- Corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation
- Pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Vinegar (acetic acid) ear drops
People with chronic swimmer's ear may need long-term or repeated treatment. This will avoid complications.
Placing something warm against the ear may reduce pain.
Proliance Surgeons
David Santos, MD, is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.He prides himself in keeping up to date with cutting edge treatments and applying state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. He is committed to excellence in facelift surgical technique, rejuvenation, and artistry, as well as creating an environment where the best medical care and facial rejuvenation possible is achieved for each individual. Dr. Santos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swimmer's Ear. His top areas of expertise are Swimmer's Ear, Labyrinthitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
Proliance Surgeons
Peter F. Maurice, MD, is a highly specialized otolaryngologist, and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.Dr. Maurice received his medical degree from Georgetown University, in Washington, DC, where he was elected to membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Georgetown University Hospital.Dr. Maurice then was selected for a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This full-year training program gave him a unique opportunity to study with one of the AAFPRS's master surgeons in Albuquerque, New Mexico.At South Seattle Otolaryngology, patients benefit from a team of on-site audiologists and allergy specialists, in addition to a team of otolaryngologists with over 50 years of combined experience. Dr. Maurice is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swimmer's Ear. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, and Sinusitis.
Proliance Surgeons
Adrienne Laury, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist who manages a wide range of adult and pediatric disorders of the ear, nose and throat. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and treats patients with environmental and food allergies. Dr. Laury has a particular interest and significant research experience in the medical and surgical management of sleep disorders, sinonasal diseases, as well as sinus/barometric pressure headaches.Dr. Laury originally grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She attended Villanova University where she graduated summa cum laude. She received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and then completed her residency training at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Laury then served as an Otolaryngologist in the United States Air Force for four years. While stationed in San Antonio, Texas, Maj. Laury was an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and instructed numerous residents and medical students. She also served a tour in Afghanistan where she managed facial trauma injuries for deployed American troops.Dr. Laury has received numerous distinctions in teaching and brings that excellence in education to her patients. She is also a nationally recognized lecturer on allergy and sinus headache. Additionally, her extensive research endeavors have enabled her to utilize the most current techniques to care for her patients.Dr. Laury is married and has two young boys and a baby girl. Her husband, originally from Germany, works in software development for Amazon. Dr. Laury enjoys cooking, cycling, traveling, and her guilty pleasure - reality TV. Dr. Laury is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swimmer's Ear. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Sinusitis, Nasal Polyps, and Empyema.
Swimmer's ear most often gets better with the proper treatment.
The infection may spread to other areas around the ear, including the skull bone. In older people or those who have diabetes or a condition that weakens the immune system, the infection may become severe. This condition is called malignant otitis externa. This condition is treated with high-dose antibiotics given through a vein.
Contact your provider if:
- You develop any symptoms of swimmer's ear
- You notice any drainage coming from your ears
- Your symptoms get worse or continue despite treatment
- You have new symptoms, such as fever or pain and redness of the skull behind the ear
These steps can help protect your ears from further damage:
- DO NOT scratch the ears or insert cotton swabs or other objects in the ears.
- Keep ears clean and dry, and DO NOT let water enter the ears when showering, shampooing, or bathing.
- Dry your ear very well after it has gotten wet.
- Avoid swimming in polluted water.
- Use earplugs when swimming.
- Try mixing 1 drop of alcohol with 1 drop of white vinegar and placing the mixture into the ears after they get wet. The alcohol and acid in the vinegar help prevent bacterial growth.
Summary: The goal of this observational study is to explore the risk factors of fungal otitis externa in the fungal otitis externa patients The main question it aims to answer is: What behaviors lead to the occurrence of fungal otitis externa? Participants will complete a detailed questionnaire survey. If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare the healthy group and the disease group to see i...
Published Date: July 16, 2024
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association website. Swimmer's ear (otitis externa). www.asha.org/public/hearing/Swimmers-Ear/. Accessed August 1, 2024.
Haddad J. External otitis (otitis externa). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 679.
Naples JG, Brant JA, Ruckenstein MJ. Infections of the external ear. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 138.