Signs of Swimmer's Ear - LiveHealth Online

Before the kids spend the day in the pool, be prepared for one of the more common illnesses that can come from a day of swimming, swimmer’s ear. Find out the signs and how to help prevent it.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Acute Otitis Externa (more commonly known as “swimmer’s ear”) is a very common condition.  It’s an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It’s usually caused by water that remains in your ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that leads to bacterial growth. It can also develop after long-term exposure to high-humidity environments.

Summertime is the most common time for one to develop swimmer’s ear.

Prevention is Important

Here are a few tips to help prevent yourself or your child from getting swimmer’s ear.

• Be careful when cleaning your ears. Many doctors advise against using cotton swabs inside of the ear. Avoid digging inside of the ear or scratching the inside of the ear to avoid infection.
• Keep your ears dry. Gently dry them after each swim.
• After swimming, be sure to tilt and shake your head to drain water from your ears. Help teach the kids to make this part of their post-swimming routine.
• If you swim in a lake, ocean or other non-chlorinated body of water, rinse your ears out with clean water.

Know the Symptoms

Swimmer’s ear can present with any or all of these symptoms:

1. Otalgia (earache)
2. Otorrhea (ear drainage)
3. Pruritus (severe itching)
4. Hearing loss
5. Aural fullness (fullness of the ear)

A doctor may diagnose swimmer’s ear with 3 of these components, incorporating symptoms, signs, and how quickly these conditions developed.

You also may have a mild fever, ear pain, inflamed lymph nodes, or ear inflammation, but none of these findings are mandatory for the diagnosis of swimmer’s ear.

If you have concerns you or your child may have swimmer’s ear, see a doctor immediately. Swimmer’s ear can be diagnosed by contacting a doctor using LiveHealth Online.