• Ear Infection

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Get Rid of Swimmer's Ear

Medically reviewed and edited by Mandy Clement, FNP

Whether you’re a casual pool user or a professional athlete, swimmer’s ear can be an unpleasant consequence of spending long hours in the water.

The condition can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms, especially if treated incorrectly or left to resolve on its own.

It’s also important to understand what causes swimmer’s ear so you can prevent it and keep your ears healthy.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) develops when the outer ear canal becomes inflamed and infected.

This condition is commonly associated with prolonged exposure to water, which can create a moist environment where bacteria can grow and infect the ear canal.

It can cause symptoms including:

• Redness

• Swelling 

• Clear or pus-like discharge

• Foul ear odor

• Sensitivity when touching the ear or pushing on the little bump (tragus) in the front of the ear

• Itching in the ear canal 

In severe cases, you may experience decreased hearing, swollen lymph nodes, and a fever. If these symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately.

Common causes of swimmer’s ear

Although swimmer’s ear is typically caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, other factors can also contribute to this infection. These may include:

• Fungal infections, especially in humid environments 

• Inserting foreign objects into the ear that can damage the canal

• Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis

• Chemical irritants that enter the ear canal, such as hair sprays 

Who is at risk for swimmer’s ear?

You may have a higher risk of developing swimmer’s ear if you: 

• Come into contact with bacteria in hot tubs or poorly maintained swimming pools

• Hurt your ear by inserting cotton swabs, your fingers, or other objects

• Use headphones, hearing aids, or ill-fitting swimming caps

• Have a cut in the skin of your ear canal

• Suffer from skin conditions such as eczema 

How is swimmer’s ear diagnosed?

Your doctor should diagnose swimmer’s ear to ensure an accurate assessment and recommend appropriate treatment.

The process usually begins with a discussion of your symptoms and a review of your medical history, focusing on recent water exposure or ear trauma.

Then, your doctor will perform a physical examination where they look into the ear canal to identify any symptoms.

Depending on the outcome of the examination, your doctor will recommend various treatment and management options to help you overcome your ear infection.

In cases where the infection is severe or recurrent – or if there is a possibility of a foreign object in the ear canal – further diagnostic tests may be required.

What are the Treatment Options for Swimmer’s Ear?

Home remedies

For mild cases of swimmer’s ear, home remedies can be used to treat the infection and alleviate symptoms. This may include:

• Drying your ears thoroughly: After you’ve been exposed to moisture, tilt your head to the side and gently pull on your earlobe to encourage water to drain out. You can also use a hair dryer on a low setting to dry your ears — just be sure to hold it at least a foot away from the ear.

• Using warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear several times a day can help relieve pain and discomfort.

• Using vinegar and alcohol ear drops: A homemade solution of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be used to help remove water in your ear and inhibit bacterial growth. Use a few drops in each ear as directed.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

If you’re treating a severe infection, OTC remedies can help alleviate persistent symptoms. Common treatments include:

• Ear drops: OTC ear drops that contain isopropyl alcohol or glycerin can help dry out the ear canal and prevent bacterial growth. This can reduce the signs of infection and prevent recurrent episodes of swimmer’s ear.

• Pain relievers: Nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can help manage the pain associated with swimmer's ear.

It’s important to use these medications as directed by your doctor or pharmacist to avoid additional complications. 

Medical treatments 

If your infection doesn’t improve with home remedies or OTC medication, your doctor may recommend more aggressive medical treatments. 

These may include:

• Prescription ear drops: These may contain antibiotics and steroids to reduce inflammation and fight infection. Your doctor will explain how to apply these drops and for how long you should use them

• Aural toilet: This is a procedure where a healthcare provider uses specialized tools to manually clean the ear canal, removing debris, pus, and dead skin cells. This can help medication to work more effectively when treating an infection.

• Wick placement: If the ear canal is very swollen, a doctor might insert a wick made of sponge or gauze into the canal. This wick helps draw medication directly into the area that needs it.

• Oral antibiotics: These are prescribed if the infection has spread beyond the ear or if there are other concerns, such as fever or extensive swelling.

It’s important to note that these treatment options are only considered as a last resort and when other remedies have been ineffective.

Can Swimmer’s Ear Resolve Without Treatment?

In most cases, even mild swimmer’s ear infections will require some form of treatment to resolve. 

It’s not recommended to leave swimmer’s ear untreated as this increases your risk of complications like:

• Worsening symptoms, including severe pain, discharge, and itching

• Spread of infection, which can lead to cellulitis or bone and cartilage damage (malignant otitis externa) 

• Long-term damage, including narrowing of the ear canal and hearing issues

If you suspect that you have swimmer’s ear, consult your doctor for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Can You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?

Preventing swimmer’s ear involves taking proactive steps to keep your ears dry and clean, especially after water activities. 

Tips for keeping your ears dry during water activities 

The first step toward preventing swimmer’s ear is to keep your ears dry during and after exposure to water. Here’s how you can do this:

• Use earplugs: Wearing earplugs while swimming can help prevent water from entering the ear canals. Make sure the earplugs fit well and are designed for swimming.

• Drying ears properly: After you’ve tilted your head sideways to allow water to drain, use a soft towel to gently dry the outer ear.

• Avoid water jet injuries: Be cautious around high-pressure water jets — like those found in pools, hot tubs, and water parks — as they can forcefully push water into the ear canal.

Practice proper ear-cleaning techniques

Cleaning your ears properly can help you avoid cuts and scratches that could increase your risk of infection. Proper cleaning includes:

• Avoiding cotton balls and swabs: Although it’s tempting, don’t use cotton swabs or other objects to clean the inside of your ears, as these actually push wax deeper into the ear canal and scratch the skin. This makes the area more susceptible to infections like swimmer’s ear.

• Washing the outer ear: Clean the outer ear with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.

• Managing earwax buildup: If earwax buildup is a problem, consider seeing a healthcare provider for safe removal. Avoid OTC earwax removal kits unless recommended by a doctor, as these can cause injury if used incorrectly.

Make lifestyle adjustments

Certain lifestyle changes can help you further protect your ears from injury and infection. Common changes you can make may include:

• Choosing appropriate activities: If you’re prone to ear infections, consider limiting activities that involve prolonged exposure to water — such as diving or swimming. It’s also recommended to avoid swimming in untreated water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or poorly maintained pools and hot tubs.

• Use swimming caps: Wearing a tight and properly-fitting swimming cap can help keep the ears relatively dry and protect them from contaminated water when submerged. Use earplugs with a swimming cap for enhanced protection.

• Maintain your ear health: Regular checkups with a healthcare provider can help you manage any chronic ear conditions and prevent the recurrence of swimmer’s ear.

Where Can You Learn More About Taking Care of Your Ear Health?

If you are concerned about swimmer’s ear or any accompanying symptoms you may be experiencing, LifeMD can help.

A team of licensed professionals who can perform an online evaluation, prescribe medication, and recommend preventative strategies may help address any concerns you have.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about taking care of your ear health — all from the comfort of your home. 

Mandy Clement, FNP

Mandy earned her MSN from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been in healthcare for more than 20 years, first as an RN and then as a Nurse Practitioner for the past 13 years. She is an advocate for telehealth and its ability to allow a broader range of patients to receive quality care. Mandy is married with three children and loves anything Disney! She also has a passion for traveling and loves exploring new places whenever she gets the chance.

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