What is swimmer’s ear?

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

“Swimmer’s ear” is actually just a layman’s term for or Otitis Externa and “Otitis Externa” is just a fancy way of saying outer-ear-infection. “Swimmer’s Ear” comes from the fact that it’s not uncommon for people who swim to get it. Though it’s more common in people who swim, anyone can get this not-so-fun infection, especially children.

What causes Swimmer’s ear?

The primary cause of Swimmer’s ear is water entering and remaining in the ear canal. This can happen after swimming, bathing, or even spending time in warm, humid places.

Ears have natural defenses to protect against injury and infection. First, ears produce cerumen(earwax). Cerumen forms a water-repellent protection inside the ear and is slightly acidic which is an added defense. Second, a lovely piece of cartilage called the tragus, partially covers the canal opening to help prevent entry of foreign bodies. In Swimmer’s ear, these defenses get overwhelmed.

A common contributing factor is putting objects in the ear. Cotton swabs, fingers, and earbuds can all injure the skin inside the ear canal and lead to infection. Other risk factors include swimming in unclean water, extra ear wax, heavy perspiration or humid climate, having an unusually narrow or hairy ear canal, having eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.

Rather than fungus or viruses, Swimmer’s ear is typically a bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms of Swimmer’s ear?

Mild to moderate Swimmer’s ear can be identified with symptoms like redness of the outer ear, itching inside the ear, ear pain that is sensitive to touch, and pus or drainage from the ear. Someone with Swimmer’s Ear may also experience a full or plugged-up feeling in the ear or pain when chewing.

If left untreated, Advanced Swimmer’s ear can occur.  Symptoms of an advanced infection include severe pain of the face, neck, or head, complete blockage of the ear canal, swelling and redness of the outer ear, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, fever, and yellowish-brown, bad-smelling pus.

Can Swimmer’s ear damage your hearing?

Because of the ear canal’s swelling and potential total blockage, Swimmer’s ear can cause muffled hearing or even hearing loss. These symptoms typically get better after the infection clears.

What are the complications of Swimmer’s ear?

If left untreated, Swimmer’s ear can progress into a more serious infection. Chronic otitis externa is a long-term Swimmer’s ear infection lasting for several months.

In rare cases, Swimmer’s ear infections can spread to surrounding tissue and become a condition known as malignant otitis externa. In these cases, an infection can spread to the cartilage, connective tissue, and bone around the ear, causing permanent damage. Infection can even spread through the skull to the brain and cranial nerves and can be life-threatening. Advanced cases may also cause paralysis of facial nerves.

How is Swimmer’s ear diagnosed?

If your healthcare provider suspects Swimmer’s ear, they will look in both ears using an otoscope (a lighted tool to check for middle ear infections). The provider will look for shedding or scaliness of the skin in the ear canal. If there is pus or drainage, the provider may take a sample and run tests to find the exact strain of the infection.

How is Swimmer’s ear treated?

The standard treatment for Swimmer’s ear is a course of prescription antibiotic ear drops. Oral antibiotics are rarely used to treat Swimmer’s ear. If there is significant swelling, the provider may also prescribe corticosteroid ear drops.

Continuing treatments at home include OTC pain medication, keeping the ear dry. With proper treatment, Swimmer’s ear usually clears in 7-10 days.

How to prevent Swimmer’s ear

Swimmer’s ear prevention involves keeping water out of the ears or removing water from the ears promptly. To prevent water from entering the ear, wear earplugs when swimming or showering, use a bathing cap and/or custom-fit swim molds, and place cotton balls in the ears while applying hair sprays or dyes.

If water has entered the ear, tilt the head to each side to drain the water out. While tilting, pull the earlobe in different directions to help the water escape.

Drying ear drops can be made at home using 1 part white vinegar and 1 part rubbing alcohol. The drops can be used before and after swimming. Do not use these drops if you have ear tubes, a punctured eardrum, ear drainage, or an active case of Swimmer’s ear.

Remember: always consult your healthcare provider before using any ear drops, home-made or OTC.