Key Takeaways
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Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, commonly caused by trapped water and bacteria buildup.
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Symptoms include ear pain, fullness, muffled hearing, and in some cases, discharge or swelling.
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Early treatment with antibiotic drops and keeping the ear dry is usually effective. Prevention is key for regular swimmers or hearing aid users.
Even something as simple as a dip in the pool or a long, hot shower can lead to an unexpected earache. Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is a common condition where moisture gets trapped inside the ear canal, creating an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. This often leads to inflammation, pain, and even temporary hearing loss.
What’s important to know is that swimmer’s ear doesn’t just affect competitive swimmers. It’s common among children, people who wear hearing aids, or anyone who spends time in humid or damp environments. Fortunately, with early attention and the right care, it can be treated effectively—and often prevented altogether.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
At its core, swimmer’s ear is caused by excess moisture in the ear canal. That moisture may come from swimming, bathing, sweat, or even humid weather. When water gets stuck and doesn't drain properly, bacteria begin to multiply in the warm, dark environment of the ear.
But there’s more to the story than just water. Several additional risk factors can increase your chances of developing swimmer’s ear:
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Using Q-tips or cotton swabs to clean your ears can scratch the delicate lining of the ear canal, giving bacteria an entry point.
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Hearing aids and earbuds may trap heat and moisture inside the ear, especially if worn for long periods.
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Skin conditions like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis can cause small cracks or inflammation in the ear, increasing vulnerability.
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Earwax removal—especially if done improperly—can strip the ear canal of its natural defenses.
Even chlorinated pool water, despite being treated, can irritate the ear canal. Natural bodies of water—like lakes, rivers, or oceans—carry higher amounts of bacteria and are more likely to lead to infection if water becomes trapped.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Symptoms typically begin mildly and worsen if the infection isn’t treated. One of the earliest signs is a clogged or full sensation in the ear, often described as if you're hearing through cotton. This can be accompanied by a mild itch or discomfort.
As the infection progresses, symptoms may include:
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Sharp or throbbing ear pain, especially when the ear is touched or moved
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Swelling of the ear canal, making it feel blocked or pressurized
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Fluid drainage—often clear, yellow, or slightly odorous
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Hearing loss, typically mild and temporary
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Redness and tenderness of the outer ear
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In more severe cases: fever, lymph node swelling, or spreading pain into the face or jaw
It’s worth noting that swimmer’s ear is distinct from a middle ear infection, which occurs deeper in the ear and is more common in children with colds or sinus infections. Middle ear infections are usually associated with fever, congestion, and difficulty sleeping, while swimmer’s ear is more localized to the outer canal and related to water exposure.
Swimmer’s Ear vs. Middle Ear Infections
Understanding the difference between swimmer’s ear and a middle ear infection is essential—especially for caregivers trying to determine when and how to seek care.
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Feature |
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) |
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) |
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Location |
Outer ear canal |
Behind the eardrum |
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Primary Cause |
Trapped water, bacteria |
Cold, allergies, or respiratory infection |
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Key Symptoms |
Ear pain when touched, discharge, itching |
Fever, congestion, hearing loss |
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Onset |
Often after swimming or showering |
Often after illness |
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Common in |
All ages, especially swimmers and kids |
Mostly young children |
A doctor can easily distinguish between the two during a basic ear exam and recommend the appropriate treatment. Learn how conductive vs. sensorineural hearing loss differ and what that means for treatment.
How to Treat Swimmer’s Ear
Once swimmer’s ear is diagnosed, the most common treatment is a prescription ear drop containing antibiotics, sometimes combined with steroids to reduce swelling. Treatment is typically effective within a few days, but it’s crucial to complete the full course of drops, even if symptoms improve quickly.
In some cases—such as when the canal is severely swollen or blocked—your doctor may gently clean the ear and insert a wick, which helps deliver medication deeper into the ear canal.
Best practices during recovery:
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Avoid water exposure. Use a cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly during showers to keep the ear dry.
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Do not insert anything into the ear—including earbuds or hearing aids—until cleared by a doctor.
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Use a warm compress to ease pain, and over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
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Follow your doctor’s instructions for using ear drops correctly (e.g., tilt head, remain still for 3–5 minutes).
According to the Mayo Clinic, early treatment helps prevent long-term complications like chronic infections or, in rare cases, tissue damage.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
The good news is that most cases of swimmer’s ear are preventable. If you’re a frequent swimmer, live in a humid area, or wear hearing aids, the following precautions can reduce your risk:
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Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering. Tilt your head, tug the earlobe, and let any excess water drain out.
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Use a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting, held several inches away, to gently dry the ear canal.
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Avoid Q-tips and other objects that may damage the ear or disrupt natural wax protection.
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Wear custom-fitted swim plugs or a swim band, especially in lakes or rivers where bacteria levels may be higher.
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If you’re prone to ear infections and don’t have a perforated eardrum, your doctor may recommend occasional use of alcohol-vinegar ear drops to keep your ear canal dry and acidic.
Preventative care is especially important for individuals with narrow ear canals, chronic skin conditions, or frequent moisture exposure from hearing aids or headphones.
When to See a Doctor
Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe. If you notice symptoms like:
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Ear pain that worsens with movement or chewing
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Discharge, especially if it smells or is colored
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Hearing loss
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Swelling that spreads to the face or neck
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Fever or general fatigue
…contact a healthcare provider. Timely treatment can prevent the infection from spreading deeper or becoming chronic.
If you wear hearing aids and develop symptoms of swimmer’s ear, remove the device immediately and seek guidance from a hearing specialist. Reintroducing it too soon can prolong the infection.
If you're unsure whether moisture or hearing loss is to blame, take our online hearing test to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does swimmer’s ear last?
Most mild to moderate infections clear up in 7–10 days with proper treatment. Severe cases may take longer, especially if there's extensive swelling or blockage.
Can swimmer’s ear cause permanent hearing loss?
No, swimmer’s ear generally causes temporary hearing loss due to swelling or fluid buildup. Once treated, hearing usually returns to normal.
Find the Hearing Aid That's Right For You
Can you swim while recovering from swimmer’s ear?
It’s best to avoid swimming until symptoms fully resolve and your doctor says it’s safe. Water exposure can delay healing and lead to reinfection.
Is swimmer’s ear contagious?
No. It’s an infection of the individual ear canal and isn’t spread from person to person, but shared earbuds or poor hygiene may increase risk.
What’s the safest way to dry ears after swimming?
Tipping your head and patting dry with a towel is effective. For lingering moisture, use a low, cool hair dryer from a distance. Avoid inserting anything into the ear.
