Understanding swimmer’s ear: causes, symptoms & prevention

Swimmer’s Ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal - the passage that runs from the ear opening to the eardrum. It’s commonly caused by water trapped in the ear after swimming, bathing, or showering, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria or fungi to grow.

While it can be uncomfortable, swimmer’s ear is usually treatable with simple care and medication. At Leightons, we’re here to help you understand the signs, protect your ears, and keep your hearing healthy all year round.

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s Ear is an outer ear infection that develops when moisture becomes trapped in the ear canal. The warm, damp environment allows bacteria or fungi to multiply, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation.

It can affect anyone but is particularly common in people who swim regularly or spend a lot of time in the water. Even showering, using cotton buds, or inserting objects into the ear canal can increase the risk by damaging the skin’s natural barrier.

What causes swimmer’s ear?

Several factors can contribute to the development of swimmer’s ear:

  • Trapped water after swimming or bathing
  • Scratching or cleaning the ear canal with cotton buds or fingers
  • Excess earwax, which can hold moisture inside the ear
  • Wearing earbuds or hearing aids that block airflow
  • Exposure to chemicals or chlorine that irritate the skin inside the ear

It’s important to keep your ears clean and dry but to do so safely - without inserting objects into the canal.

Common symptoms of swimmer’s ear

Swimmer’s Ear can range from mild discomfort to more painful inflammation. Common symptoms include:

  • Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the ear
  • Itching inside the ear canal
  • A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
  • Fluid discharge (clear or cloudy)
  • Redness or swelling around the ear
  • Temporary hearing loss if the canal becomes blocked

If left untreated, the infection can spread or become more painful. Early treatment helps prevent complications and promotes faster recovery.

How is swimmer’s ear diagnosed and treated?

A GP or audiologist can diagnose swimmer’s ear by examining your ear canal using an otoscope. They’ll check for inflammation, redness, or discharge.

Treatment typically includes:

  • Prescription ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungal medication to clear the infection
  • Pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease discomfort
  • Keeping the ear dry while it heals - avoid swimming and take care when showering

Most people recover within 7-10 days with proper treatment. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be needed.

Preventing swimmer’s ear

Prevention is the best way to protect your ears, especially if you swim or bathe frequently. Here are some easy tips:

  • Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering - tilt your head to each side to let water drain out.
  • Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds or fingers into your ears.
  • Use a towel to gently dry the outer ear, not the canal.
  • Wear swimming earplugs to keep water out if you swim regularly.
  • Avoid swimming in polluted water or untreated pools.
  • See an audiologist for regular ear health checks, especially if you’re prone to earwax or infections.

These small steps can make a big difference in keeping your ears healthy and infection-free.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we offer professional hearing assessments to ensure your ears are healthy, clear, and free from infection or wax build-up. Our audiologists can:

  • Examine your ears safely using specialist tools.
  • Identify signs of infection, irritation, or blocked ear canals.
  • Refer you to your GP or ENT specialist if medical treatment is needed.
  • Provide advice on ear care and prevention, including the safe use of earplugs and cleaning tips.

We’re here to help you protect your hearing, prevent discomfort, and enjoy the activities you love - safely.

Book your free hearing assessment today and keep your ears clear, comfortable, and ready for the water.

You may also like

Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
Learn more
Right Arrow
Navigation Previous
Navigation Next