Swimmer’s ear is a painful and uncomfortable condition that can cause itchiness, drainage, and hearing changes after water gets trapped in the ear canal. It often affects people who spend time in the water, but anyone can develop it. At Maico Audiological Services, with offices in Newport News, Smithfield, and Chesapeake, VA, our audiologists help patients find relief from swimmer’s ear and other hearing concerns through hearing tests, prevention tips, and professional guidance.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal-the passage that runs from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. It usually occurs when water stays trapped inside the ear after swimming, showering, or bathing. This trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria or fungi to grow.
Although the name “swimmer’s ear” might make you think it only affects swimmers, that’s not always the case. It can happen to anyone exposed to moisture or humidity for extended periods. Even activities like sweating heavily or cleaning your ears too often can make the ear canal more vulnerable.
Audiologists often see patients, both frequent swimmers and non-swimmers, who develop itchiness, pain, or fullness in the ear after water exposure. Understanding what causes it can help you take steps to prevent it.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear develops when moisture, injury, or irritation disrupts the natural protective layer inside your ear canal. Once that protective barrier breaks down, bacteria or fungi can grow and lead to infection.
Here are the most common causes and risk factors:
1. Water Exposure
When water remains trapped in your ear canal after swimming, showering, or bathing, it increases humidity inside the ear. This warm, damp environment helps bacteria or fungi multiply.
2. Ear Canal Injury
Inserting cotton swabs, fingers, or small objects into your ear can scratch the delicate skin, making it easier for germs to enter. Even minor irritation can trigger an infection.
3. Earwax Problems
Earwax plays an important role in ear health by acting as a natural barrier against dirt and bacteria. Removing too much wax can leave your ear unprotected, while excess wax can trap water inside and cause swimmer’s ear.
4. Climate and Humidity
People who live in warm, moist areas or spend time in high humidity are more likely to develop swimmer’s ear, even if they aren’t swimmers. Moist air prevents the ear canal from drying properly.
5. Skin Conditions
Those with eczema, psoriasis, or chronic allergies may have dry or flaky skin, which can lead to itchiness and small cracks in the ear canal, allowing bacteria to enter more easily.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
The symptoms of swimmer’s ear can range from mild irritation to severe pain. Recognizing them early helps you get the right treatment before complications occur.
Common signs include:
- Itchiness inside the ear canal (one of the earliest symptoms)
- Ear pain that worsens when pulling on the ear or moving the jaw
- Fullness or pressure in the ear
- Redness or swelling around the outer ear
- Fluid drainage, which may be clear, yellow, or pus-like
- Muffled hearing or a sensation that the ear is “blocked”
- Tenderness when touching the ear or surrounding area
- Fever or swollen glands near the ear (in advanced cases)
If left untreated, swimmer’s ear can cause more severe infection or temporary hearing loss. That’s why seeing an audiologist or doctor promptly is important when symptoms persist.
Maico Audiological Services connects you to an expert audiologist in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.
How Swimmer’s Ear Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing swimmer’s ear is simple, gentle, and pain-free. Here’s an overview:
Medical History:
We’ll ask about recent water exposure, ear symptoms, or prior infections. Ear Examination:
Using a lighted tool called an otoscope, your audiologist will look inside the ear canal for redness, swelling, wax, or fluid buildup.
Cleaning (if needed):
If wax or debris is blocking the view, we may safely remove it for a clearer examination. If the infection looks severe or involves deeper tissue, your audiologist may refer you to your doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist for additional care.
Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear
Treatment for swimmer’s ear focuses on clearing the infection, reducing itchiness and pain, and helping the ear heal. Most cases resolve quickly with the right care.
1. Cleaning the Ear Canal
Gently removing debris or excess wax helps medications work better. Our Smithfield, VA audiologists at Maico Audiological Services use professional tools to clean the ear safely, avoiding further irritation.
2. Prescription Ear Drops
Antibiotic ear drops are the most common treatment for swimmer’s ear. They fight bacteria and may include a mild steroid to reduce inflammation and itching. It’s important to use them exactly as prescribed. If your infection is caused by a fungus, antifungal drops may be used instead.
3. Oral Antibiotics
In more serious infections or cases where the infection spreads beyond the ear canal, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to help your body fight the infection from within.
4. Pain and Inflammation Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce discomfort while the infection heals.
5. Keeping the Ear Dry
Avoid swimming, diving, or soaking your ears during treatment. When showering, protect the ear with a soft earplug or cotton ball lightly coated with petroleum jelly. With the right treatment and follow-up, most patients start feeling relief within a few days.
Prevention: How to Avoid Swimmer’s Ear
Preventing swimmer’s ear is often easier than treating it. A few simple habits can protect your ears and reduce the risk of infection.
1. Keep Your Ears Dry
After swimming or bathing, gently tilt your head to each side to let water drain. Pat your outer ear dry with a towel-don’t insert anything into the canal.
2. Protect Ears While Swimming
Frequent swimmers can benefit from custom-fitted swim earplugs, available through our offices in Newport News, Smithfield, and Chesapeake, VA. These keep water out while maintaining comfort and sound clarity.
3. Avoid Overcleaning
Cleaning too deeply removes protective earwax and increases the risk of itchiness and infection. If you feel blocked, visit an audiologist for professional cleaning.
4. Manage Humidity and Sweat
If you live in a high-humidity area or sweat frequently, let your ears air out after exercise or outdoor activities. Wearing breathable headgear can also help reduce trapped moisture.
5. Use Preventive Drops
Ask your audiologist or doctor about safe, over-the-counter drying drops to use after swimming. These help remove leftover moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
When to See an Audiologist or Doctor
While mild cases can improve with home care, persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a professional.
You should schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Ongoing itchiness or ear pain
- Drainage or swelling that worsens
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- A feeling of fullness or blockage
- Fever or spreading redness
At Maico Audiological Services, we’ll determine whether your swimmer’s ear is caused by bacteria, fungus, or another issue, and we’ll recommend safe, effective treatment options.
Living Comfortably After Swimmer’s Ear
Once your ear heals, it’s important to protect it from future infections.
Here’s how:
- Keep your ears clean but avoid inserting objects into them.
- Dry your ears after every swim or shower.
- Treat colds, allergies, and sinus congestion early to prevent Eustachian tube problems.
- Be mindful of humidity, especially during summer months or in moist environments.
Our team at Maico Audiological Services is here to help you maintain ear comfort and hearing wellness year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is swimmer’s ear contagious?
No, swimmer’s ear is not contagious. It’s caused by bacteria or fungi that grow inside a person’s ear canal, usually because of trapped water, irritation, or too much moisture. You can’t catch it from swimming near someone with an infection or sharing water.
However, if you share earbuds, towels, or earplugs, you could spread bacteria that may increase the risk of infection. Keeping ears clean and dry helps prevent it from developing.
How long does swimmer’s ear last?
With proper treatment, swimmer’s ear usually starts improving within a few days and clears up completely in 7 to 10 days. The length of recovery depends on how severe the infection is and how quickly treatment begins. Using prescribed antibiotic ear drops as directed by your doctor and keeping your ear dry during healing can help it clear faster. If symptoms, such as itchiness, pain, or drainage, don’t improve after a week, follow up with your audiologist or healthcare provider for another evaluation.
What happens if swimmer’s ear goes untreated?
If swimmer’s ear is left untreated, the infection can worsen and spread deeper into the ear canal or surrounding tissue. This may cause increased pain, swelling, earache, or even temporary hearing loss. In severe cases, the infection could reach nearby bones or lymph nodes, requiring stronger antibiotics or medical intervention. Early treatment is the best remedy. It relieves symptoms faster and prevents complications. If you notice persistent discomfort, drainage, or hearing changes, schedule a consultation with an audiologist or doctor as soon as possible.
Expert Audiologists in Virginia
If you’re struggling with swimmer’s ear, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. The earlier you seek treatment, the easier it is to relieve pain, stop itchiness, and prevent infection from spreading.
At Maico Audiological Services, we proudly serve the communities of Newport News, Smithfield, and Chesapeake, VA, providing compassionate care for patients of all ages. Whether you’re an active swimmer or simply someone experiencing ear discomfort, our experienced audiologists can help.
We offer professional ear examinations, safe ear cleanings, and guidance on treatment options, including when to see your doctor for antibiotics or additional care.
Call Maico Audiological Services today to schedule your appointment. With expert care, preventive strategies, and personalized support, you can recover from swimmer’s ear quickly and get back to enjoying the water comfortably and safely.
