What Is Swimmer's Ear? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection in your ear canal—the tube running from your outer ear to your eardrum. It happens when water stays trapped in your ear, creating a moist environment where bacteria grow. Swimming is the most common cause, but showering or cleaning your ears with cotton swabs can also trigger it.

What Causes Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer's ear is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Water that stays in your ear after swimming provides the perfect place for these germs to multiply. You can also get swimmer's ear by scratching or damaging your ear canal with cotton swabs, fingers, or earbuds.

Risk factors include frequent swimming, swimming in polluted water, narrow ear canals, and skin conditions like eczema. Hot, humid weather also increases your risk.

Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear

Early symptoms include itching in your ear canal, slight redness, and discomfort that worsens when you pull on your outer ear. As the infection progresses, you may have more intense pain, increased swelling, drainage from your ear, and muffled hearing.

How Long Does Swimmer's Ear Last?

With proper treatment, swimmer's ear usually clears up within 7 to 10 days. Most people feel better within 2 to 3 days of starting ear drops. Without treatment, the infection can last much longer and may spread to nearby tissue.

Treatment Options

Doctors treat swimmer's ear with prescription ear drops. The best antibiotic for swimmer's ear is typically a topical fluoroquinolone (like ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin), often combined with a steroid to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort.

Keep your ears dry during treatment. Avoid swimming and use a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly when showering. In severe cases, your doctor may need to clean your ear canal or prescribe oral antibiotics.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if you have ear pain, especially if it worsens when you tug on your ear. Seek immediate care if you have severe pain, fever, or swelling spreading to your face or neck. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications and should see a doctor promptly.

Prevention

Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering. Tilt your head to let water drain out. Avoid putting objects in your ear canal, including cotton swabs. Consider wearing earplugs when swimming, especially in lakes or other natural bodies of water.