Why does swimmer's ear occur and how to treat it?

Written by: Ljubica Barbulović, MPharm

Summer, swimming pools, the sea and long hours in the water are enjoyable for many people. However, during the warmer months, many experience an uncomfortable condition known as swimmer’s ear.

Ear pain after swimming, a blocked feeling, itching, pressure and the sensation that water is trapped in the ear may be early signs of inflammation of the outer ear canal, medically known as otitis externa.

Swimmer’s ear is especially common in people who swim often, children, people on summer holidays and those who use cotton buds too aggressively.

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear is an inflammation of the outer ear canal that often develops when water remains trapped in the ear. Moisture and warmth create ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to multiply.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear

How to remove water from the ear after swimming?

If you feel water trapped in the ear, tilt your head to the affected side, gently pull the earlobe and dry only the outer ear with a towel. Avoid inserting cotton buds deep into the ear canal.

Swimmer’s ear in children

Children are more prone to swimmer’s ear because they spend a lot of time in water during summer. Parents should avoid cleaning a child’s ear aggressively with cotton buds or other objects.

How to prevent swimmer’s ear?

• dry the ears after swimming
• avoid cotton buds
• use ear hygiene sprays when needed
• use earplugs while swimming
• avoid polluted water

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