Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Otitis Externa, more commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear, is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of your outer ear canal. While it most often happens in children, this painful condition can affect swimmers of all ages.
What causes Swimmer’s Ear?
The most common cause of Swimmer’s Ear is when moisture is trapped in the ear canal from baths, showers, or swimming. The trapped water allows for bacteria to grow inside the canal, causing the infection. Swimmer’s Ear can be painful and needs to be treated to reduce the pain and eliminate any long-term effects on the ear.
What are the symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear?
Constant itch in ear
Redness and swelling of the outer ear
Pain when earlobe is touched
Swollen glands in neck
Fever
“Plugged-up” feeling in ear
Muffled hearing
What is the treatment for Swimmer’s Ear?
Proper treatment for swimmer’s ear often clears up the infection within 7 to 10 days and will likely include taking antibiotic ear drops, pain medication, and keeping the ear dry. Left untreated, swimmer’s ear may cause more serious problems such as hearing loss, repeat ear infections, or a spreading of infection to other nearby tissue.
When should I see an ENT for Swimmer’s Ear?
For more severe or persistent infections, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics. If the ear canal is swollen shut, your provider might place a sponge or wick in the canal so the drops can reach the canal more effectively.
Tips for preventing Swimmer’s Ear:
Keep the ear dry so it is less likely to become infected
Use ear plugs while swimming
If water does get in your ears, use a towel to dry it out as much as possible
Have your ears cleaned periodically by an otolaryngologist if you have itchy, flaky, or extensive earwax