What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection in the outer ear canal. This is the tube that connects the outer ear to the eardrum. It gets its name because it’s often caused by water that remains in your ear after swimming. This damp environment can help bacteria or fungi grow.

Causes of Swimmer’s Ear

Water Trapped in the Ear

One of the most common causes of a swimmer’s ear is water that stays in the ear canal. When water doesn’t drain out properly, it creates a moist environment that bacteria or fungi love. This is why swimmers often get this condition.

Damage to the Ear Canal

Your ear canal has a thin layer of skin that can get damaged easily. Using cotton swabs, scratching your ear, or putting objects in your ear can cause small cuts or abrasions. These tiny injuries make it easier for bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection.

Other Irritants

Chemicals in hair sprays, hair dyes, and shampoos can irritate the skin in your ear canal. Allergies to jewelry or hearing aids can also cause problems. When the skin gets irritated, it becomes more vulnerable to infections.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Early Signs

At first, the swimmer’s ear may feel a bit itchy. You might also notice that your ear feels a little red and swollen. Sometimes, it can be mildly uncomfortable, especially when you touch your ear.

Progressive Symptoms

As the infection progresses, the symptoms can get worse. You might experience:

• Increased pain, especially when moving your head or touching your ear.
• More intense itching inside the ear.
• Swelling that makes it difficult to hear.
• Fluid or pus drainage from the ear.
• A feeling of fullness or blocked ears.

Severe Symptoms

In severe cases, the pain can be quite strong and might spread to your face, neck, or side of your head. Your ear canal could swell shut, making hearing very difficult. If you notice fever, swollen lymph nodes, or significant pain, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Prevention Tips

Keep Ears Dry

To prevent swimmer’s ear, it’s important to keep your ears dry. After swimming or bathing, gently dry your ears with a towel. Tilt your head to each side to help the water drain out. You can also use earplugs designed for swimming to keep water out.

Avoid Inserting Objects

Don’t stick cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into your ears. This can damage the skin in your ear canal and make it easier for infections to occur. If you need to clean your ears, use a soft cloth to wipe the outer ear gently.

Protect Ears from Irritants

Try to avoid getting hair sprays, shampoos, and dyes in your ears. If you’re sensitive to certain products, consider switching to hypoallergenic options. If you wear hearing aids, clean them regularly to prevent irritation and infection.

Treatment Options

Home Remedies

For mild cases of swimmer’s ear, you can try some home remedies. Over-the-counter eardrops can help dry out the ear canal and kill bacteria or fungi. Warm compresses can help reduce pain and swelling. Make sure to avoid getting more water in your ear while treating it.

Medical Treatments

If home remedies don’t work, you may need to see a doctor. They might prescribe eardrops that contain antibiotics to fight the infection or steroids to reduce swelling. In more severe cases, you might need oral antibiotics or other treatments.

When to See a Doctor

If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve after a few days of home treatment, it’s important to see a doctor. You should also seek medical help if you have severe pain or fever or if your ear canal swells shut. Early treatment can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.

When to Call Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a swimmer’s ear, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call the Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center for expert advice and treatment. They can help you manage your symptoms and ensure a speedy recovery. Their audiologist is ready to assist you with all your hearing health needs.

Remember, taking care of your ears is important to prevent infections like those in the swimmer’s ear. Keep them dry, avoid irritants, and don’t stick objects inside. If you do get an infection, quick treatment can help you get back to feeling your best.