What is swimmer’s ear - and why you shouldn’t ignore it

What is swimmer's ear?

If you’ve never heard of it, swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection in your ear canal - the passage that runs from your outer ear to your eardrum. If water becomes trapped here, it may provide the perfect conditions for a bacterial or fungal ear infection.

Swimmer’s ear gets its name from being commonly experienced by swimmers - especially in the summer months when people spend more time in the water. However, you can develop swimmer’s ear from bathing, showering, sweating, or being in a warm and humid climate.

Darren Horne, audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, explains that the position of the discomfort in your ear will help a healthcare professional to decide what kind of ear infection you may have.

“Swimmer's ear is different from other ear infections, since it’s located in the outer ear canal,” he says. “Other ear infections more commonly happen further into the ear behind the eardrum where there is a canal that connects the ear to the sinuses.”

What does swimmer's ear feel like?

If your ear doesn’t feel quite right, there are several symptoms that could point to swimmer’s ear.

These include:

• Soreness or discomfort when you gently pull your earlobe.

• Muffled hearing in your affected ear.

• Tickly, itchy, or hot feeling inside your ear.

• Feeling of swelling in your outer ear.

• Redness or dry skin around your outer ear.

• Feeling of fullness inside your ear.

• Discomfort or tenderness when moving your jaw.

• Clear fluid leaking from your ear.

There are conditions that may mimic swimmer’s ear - including skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, irritation from reactions to soap, shampoos, and hair products, along with earwax blockages. If you’re unsure, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to help with any treatment you may need.

How long does it take to clear up?

It is good to know whether you have trapped water in your ear, or if you have developed an infection - this will make a difference as to how long your swimmer’s ear will last.

Horne explains how treatment can help.

“Swimmer’s ear can clear up on its own, but it may take several weeks for the infection to go away without treatment,” he says. “With treatment, the infection should start to improve in a few days and clear up completely in 7 to 10 days.”

To help with recovery, avoid putting anything in your ear without speaking to your pharmacist or doctor first. You may cause more discomfort and could damage your inner ear.

Swimmer’s ear symptoms can begin mildly, so keep an eye on how you are feeling and seek help from your doctor if they’re not getting better.

What is the main treatment for swimmer's ear?

When it comes to treating swimmer’s ear, there are over-the-counter options available, such as ear drops and pain relief tablets that can help to relieve symptoms. If your doctor has diagnosed you with swimmer’s ear, there are several things you can do at home to help you feel more comfortable.

“Start by taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain and inflammation,” Horne advises. “Holding a warm towel to your ear can also soothe the discomfort, but it's important you don’t put anything in your ear canal and keep it dry.

"To clear the infection quickly, you may be prescribed ear drops which contain an antibiotic, steroid, or antifungal medicine.”

Can swimmer's ear be prevented?

The inside of your ear is delicate. Horne advises treating the thin layer of skin inside your ear with extra care - being very gentle when cleaning and drying your ears.

“Remember to avoid putting anything into your ear canal,” he cautions. “This includes cotton buds, which can damage the lining of your ear, making it vulnerable to infections.

“To prevent future swimmer’s ear infections, after your infection has cleared, you should keep your ears as dry as possible. Wear a swimming cap or earplugs while swimming and try not to get your ears wet when having a bath or shower.”

Although you can get swimmer’s ear from swimming in any water, your risk can increase in freshwater as it may contain more bacteria. However, if you follow some simple steps, you can enjoy swimming anywhere and keep your ears happy and healthy.