Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)

by | Hearing Health

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear is infection of the lining of the outer ear canal. Other names for it are otitis externa and ‘tropical ear’.

Symptoms

  • pain;
  • itching inside the ear;
  • tenderness of the outer ear, which may be sensitive to the lightest touch; and
  • reduced hearing.

Causes

This infection occurs when the skin lining the ear canal is wet for long periods. This usually happens if water is trapped in the ear canal after swimming, or perhaps washing the hair. It can also be a problem for people living in tropical climates, where the atmosphere is generally damp. Wet skin becomes soft and soggy, making it much easier for bacterial, and sometimes fungal, infections to take hold. These infections can be from organisms that normally live in the ear canal or from organisms introduced when contaminated or polluted water enters the ear canal.

Treatment of swimmer’s ear

Treatment usually consists of drops containing a combination of corticosteroids and antibiotics. Sometimes a doctor must clean out the ear and a pack is inserted to bring the infection under control.

Prevention of swimmer’s ear

  • Drying. It should be possible to avoid swimmer’s ear by careful attention to drying the ears after swimming and showering. This can be achieved by shaking your head (something dogs do naturally after they have been in water) and gently inserting the rolled-up corner of a towel or handkerchief into the ear canal to absorb the water. Cotton buds should not be used as they are too firm and can easily damage the delicate tissues of the ear, such as the ear drum.
  • Drops. There are some types of drops, for example Aquaear, that can be used by people with recurrent problems to help prevent swimmer’s ear. They work by providing a local drying effect in the ears after swimming and making the conditions in the ear canal inhospitable to bacteria.
  • Ear plugs. Some frequent swimmers may find ear plugs to be of help. Cotton wool mixed with Vaseline can be an economical form of such protection.