If you’ve ever dealt with that itchy, achy feeling in your ear after a day in the pool, you might already know what swimmer’s ear feels like. However, it’s more than just water stuck in your ear. But following some tips on how to prevent swimmer’s ear can help you avoid developing it.
While it’s common in kids and swimmers, anyone can get it, especially if you’re often in the water, use cotton swabs or even wear hearing aids. The good news is that it’s usually preventable. Here’s how to protect your ears and keep infections at bay.
If you do develop swimmer’s ear, you’ll likely need to see a doctor to treat it. Make an appointment with your primary care provider if you notice any symptoms. If they’re especially painful and it’s after your doctor’s office closes, head to your nearest urgent care or walk-in clinic.
What is swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear refers to an infection affecting the outer ear canal, which is the tube extending from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. It’s also called otitis externa.
When water gets trapped in that space, usually after swimming or showering, it can soften the skin, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter and grow. Common symptoms include redness, pain, swelling and sometimes even temporary hearing loss.
If left untreated, it can worsen and spread, making it more painful and harder to treat.
Who is prone to swimmer’s ear?
Anyone who spends a lot of time in water is more prone to swimmer’s ear, but other factors also increase the risk:
- Using cotton swabs or fingers to clean your ears, which can scratch the delicate skin
- Wearing hearing aids, earbuds or earplugs that trap moisture
- Having skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Living in humid environments
- Frequent swimming or showering without properly drying your ears
Even activities that have nothing to do with swimming can raise your chances of getting an outer ear infection if they involve putting anything inside your ears.
How to prevent swimmer’s ear
The best approach is keeping your ears dry and clean, without overdoing it. These simple tips can help protect your ears year-round.
Dry your ears after water exposure
After you’re done swimming or showering, take a minute to dry your ears:
- Use a towel to gently dry the outside of your ears.
- Tip your head to the side to let any trapped water drain out.
- You can use a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting to dry your ears. Hold it a few inches away and aim it toward your ear.
Never use cotton swabs to dry your ears; they can push water deeper or damage the skin.
Use ear drops after swimming
Over-the-counter drying drops can help evaporate leftover moisture and reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi. A homemade mix of half rubbing alcohol and half white vinegar works well, too. The alcohol dries the ear and the vinegar helps restore the ear’s natural pH.
Use a few drops in each ear after swimming, but avoid doing this if you have ear tubes, a ruptured eardrum or have had ear surgery. Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Don’t insert anything into your ears
Putting cotton swabs, fingers and even tissues can do more damage. Inserting anything into your ear canal can scratch the skin and make it easier for bacteria to get in. This is one of the most common causes of outer ear infections, even in people who don’t swim regularly.
Protect your ears while swimming
If you’re prone to swimmer’s ear, take a few precautions before you hit the pool:
- Wear earplugs designed for swimming. These keep water out while still being comfortable.
- Use a swim cap that covers your ears.
- Dry your ears thoroughly afterward, even if they don’t feel wet.
Make sure your earplugs are clean and dry before each use. Dirty earplugs can actually cause more harm than good.
Be cautious with hearing aids and earbuds
Wearing hearing aids or earbuds for long periods can trap moisture and heat, creating a cozy spot for bacteria. Clean them regularly and make sure your ears are completely dry before putting them in.
If you frequently get outer ear infections, talk to your provider about different styles or materials that might be better for sensitive ears.
Treat any skin conditions
If you have skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis that affect your ears, managing them is essential. Cracked or inflamed skin is more likely to become infected. Use any prescribed creams as directed and avoid scratching the area.
What to do if you get swimmer’s ear
Even with the best prevention, swimmer’s ear can still happen. The first signs are usually itching, mild pain or a feeling of fullness. If it doesn’t go away or gets worse, make an appointment with your primary care provider. Treatment often involves antibiotic ear drops to kill the infection and reduce the inflammation.
In more serious cases, you may need oral antibiotics or antifungal treatments. If it’s left untreated, the infection can lead to swelling, severe pain and even temporary hearing loss.
How we can help
Swimmer’s ear can be painful and frustrating, especially if it happens often. Knowing how to prevent swimmer’s ear – keeping your outer ear canal dry, avoiding cotton balls and knowing your risk factors – can help you stay healthy.
If you develop symptoms of swimmer’s ear, make an appointment with your primary care provider to start treating it.
Learn about the primary care services we offer at Mercy Health.
