Swimmer’s ear (known medically as otitis externa) occurs when water (or sand, dirt, or debris) get trapped in the ear canal.

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Summer is upon us, and for those with access to pools, beaches, lakes, or rivers, it is time to start swimming. There is nothing like cooling off on a hot day by taking a refreshing dip into cool water. But if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water this summer, be sure to know these tips for the prevention and treatment for swimmer’s ear; you don’t want a long day in the water to end in a painful earache.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear

Swimmer’s ear (known medically as otitis externa) occurs when water (or sand, dirt, or debris) get trapped in the ear canal. When this happens, it can cause infection and inflammation. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include pain, itching, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The pain is often worse when you chew or when you press on the pinna (the tag shape on the inside of your ear). You may also experience temporary hearing loss. If you have had swimmer’s ear before, you are much more likely to get it again.[1] 

How to prevent swimmer’s ear

Don’t wait until symptoms develop to seek treatment. Instead, take these precautionary measures, which help keep the ear dry, to avoid swimmer’s ear in the first place.[1]

• Make sure your ears are dry after swimming, bathing, or showering. Try tilting your head and shaking it to help drain water, gently dabbing your ear with a dry towel, or running a hairdryer on low while holding it several inches away from your ear.
• Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and vinegar together, and put a few drops into your ear after contact with water. If you are prone to swimmer’s ear, you may want to make this a regular part of your routine.
• Wear soft earplugs when in the water. Just be sure not to keep them in too long, as this can cause your ears to hurt and become inflamed.
• Don’t swim where the water is dirty, or in pools that aren’t well maintained. You are less likely to get swimmer’s ear when the water is free of pathogens.
• DO NOT insert cotton swabs or other objects into your ear canal, as this can increase your risk for infection.

Treatment for swimmer’s ear

In severe cases, swimmer’s ear is treated with antibiotics or steroids. But these drugs can cause lasting harm, so avoid them if you can. If you have reason to believe you have a ruptured eardrum, which will drain and leak pussy, smelly, or even bloody fluid, go to the doctor. Otherwise, mild swimmer’s ear may be managed from home with a few simple steps. So what should you do when you come home after a long day of swimming, you feel water trapped in your ear, and you begin to develop an earache?

Apply a solution of half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol to your ear. The vinegar helps to sanitize and get rid of infection, while the rubbing alcohol will help to evaporate any water to remove it from your ear canal. Make sure the solution is body temperature before applying. Use a few drops multiple times per day, especially after contact with water. If symptoms don’t go away after a week, see a doctor.

To ease pain, use heat. Set a heating pad to low and put it on your ear to relieve pain. If you don’t have a heating pad, using a warm washcloth and place it over your ear.

While treating your swimmer’s ear, avoid swimming; getting water, shampoos, soap, or other debris in your ear; using earplugs or tight-fitting headphones; and physical pressure or impacts to your ear. These can all make your symptoms worse and cause damage to your ear.

This summer, swim smart to avoid swimmer’s ear. Follow these easy steps for prevention and treatment so you can enjoy long days in the water, free of a painful earache.

Share your experience

Have you ever had swimmer’s ear? Did home treatment work for you? Share your experience in the comments section below.

[1] Paediatr Child Health. 2013 Feb;18(2):96-101.