Don’t Let Swimmer’s Ear Ruin Your Summer

Summertime often means more time at the pool, lake or beach. But with the fun can come a painful nuisance known as swimmer’s ear. This common condition doesn’t just affect children. Adults, especially those with hearing aids or certain medical conditions, can be prone to it too.

Cameron Wick, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at University Hospitals, shares more about swimmer’s ear: What it is, how to spot it and how to keep it from ruining your summer.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Unlike middle ear infections, which are common in the winter, swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal, which runs from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. It’s something Dr. Wick treats frequently in his clinic, especially during the summer months.

“The mildest form of swimmer’s ear will feel like ear fullness or fluid in the ear, maybe with mild pain,” says Dr. Wick. “As it worsens, the pain becomes more intense, sometimes severe, due to the high sensitivity of the skin over the ear canal’s bone. You might also notice swelling, visible drainage from the ear or temporary hearing loss.”

Who’s at Risk?

Kids typically spend more time in the water, which puts them at higher risk. They’re also more likely to experience symptoms because their ear canals are smaller and more prone to blockages, explains Dr. Wick. But swimmer’s ear isn’t caused by swimming alone and adults can be affected, especially those who wear earbuds or hearing aids, or use cotton swabs in their ears.

Older adults may be more susceptible due to wax buildup or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis that lower the ear canal’s natural defenses. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes or who take immune-modulating medications, are also at higher risk.

“The ear canal is a dark, moist environment and there’s natural bacteria that live on the skin,” Dr. Wick says. “People who are immune compromised have a lower barrier to an opportunistic infection like swimmer’s ear.”

Easing the Ache: Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear

The good news? Swimmer’s ear is easy to treat with prescription ear drops that combine an antibiotic with a steroid to reduce inflammation. “They’re safe, effective and work better than oral antibiotics for this type of infection,” says Dr. Wick.

In more severe cases – where the canal is swollen shut or full of debris – an ear, nose and throat doctor may need to gently clean the ear or insert a small wick to help the drops reach the infected tissue. In severe infections that involve the cartilage, oral antibiotics may also be necessary.

You may also need something for the pain, which can be significant. However, fever is uncommon with swimmer’s ear, unlike middle ear infections which can cause systemic symptoms.

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

The best way to avoid swimmer’s ear? Keep your ears dry and be gentle. That means avoiding Q-tips or sharp objects in the ear, says Dr. Wick. “The ear canal skin is delicate. Using Q-tips can cause small scrapes that let bacteria or fungus in, especially when there’s moisture involved.”

Instead, most people should let the ears clean themselves naturally. For those with heavy wax buildup, over-the-counter options like Debrox or a bit of hydrogen peroxide can help. “If needed, you can flush the ear gently in the shower with warm water,” adds Dr. Wick.

After swimming, it’s best to let ears dry naturally. Skip the harsh over-the-counter swimmer’s ear drops, which contain alcohol and can irritate the skin. Instead, try using a hair dryer on a cool setting held at arm’s length to help the moisture evaporate. Be especially mindful after swimming in lakes, rivers or oceans, which harbor more bacteria than chlorinated pools, Dr. Wick adds.

Finally, be cautious not to overuse earbuds and hearing aids. If your ears are sore, give them a break.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your primary care doctor or an ENT specialist if you experience worsening ear pain, visible drainage, swelling or redness around the ear, or decreased hearing that lasts more than a couple of days. Swimmer’s ear is common, but the right care and a little caution, you can enjoy your summer without the earache.

Related Links

The ear, nose and throat specialists at University Hospitals provide comprehensive care for both children and adults.