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Understanding Swimmer’s Ear

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A day at the pool ends, but later your ear starts to itch.

Then it becomes sore.

Before long, even touching the outside of your ear may hurt.

One possible cause is swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa.

Swimmer’s ear is inflammation or infection involving the external ear canal, the passage that carries sound from the opening of your ear toward the eardrum.

Although swimming is a common trigger, you do not have to be a swimmer to develop swimmer’s ear. Anything that creates excess moisture or damages the delicate skin inside the ear canal may increase the risk.

At Z-2-H Family Med & Urgent Care, our providers evaluate ear pain, ear-canal irritation, drainage, and other common ear symptoms to help determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear occurs when the skin lining the outer ear canal becomes irritated, inflamed, or infected.

Normally, the ear canal has several natural defenses.

Earwax helps:

  • Repel water
  • Trap debris
  • Protect the ear-canal skin
  • Maintain an environment that discourages excessive microbial growth

When moisture remains trapped inside the ear or the protective skin becomes damaged, bacteria or other microorganisms may be able to grow more easily.

The result can be a painful, inflamed ear canal.

Why Is It Called Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimming frequently exposes the ear canal to water.

When water becomes trapped, the canal may stay moist long enough to create an environment where infection can develop.

This is especially possible after:

  • Swimming
  • Water sports
  • Frequent pool exposure
  • Bathing
  • Showering
  • Other repeated water exposure

However, swimmer’s ear isn't limited to swimmers.

What Does Swimmer’s Ear Feel Like?

Symptoms may include:

  • Ear pain
  • Ear-canal itching
  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Ear drainage
  • A feeling of fullness
  • Muffled hearing

Symptoms may begin mildly and become progressively more uncomfortable.

Why Does My Ear Hurt When I Touch It?

One characteristic clue of swimmer’s ear is pain when the outer ear is moved or touched.

You may notice discomfort when:

  • Pulling the ear
  • Touching the tragus—the small cartilage flap near the ear-canal opening
  • Wearing certain earbuds
  • Lying on the affected ear

This tenderness can help a healthcare provider distinguish an outer-ear problem from some other causes of ear pain.

However, an examination is still important for diagnosis.

Can Swimmer’s Ear Cause Itching?

Yes.

Itching may be one of the earliest symptoms.

The ear canal may initially feel:

  • Itchy
  • Irritated
  • Slightly uncomfortable

As inflammation progresses, pain and tenderness may become more noticeable.

Avoid scratching inside the ear because this can further damage the skin.

Can Swimmer’s Ear Cause Drainage?

Yes.

An inflamed or infected ear canal may produce drainage.

The discharge may vary in:

  • Amount
  • Color
  • Consistency

Drainage can also occur with other ear conditions, including problems involving the eardrum.

For that reason, new or persistent ear drainage should be evaluated rather than automatically treated at home.

Can Swimmer’s Ear Affect Hearing?

Swelling, debris, or drainage inside the ear canal can temporarily interfere with sound transmission.

This may cause:

  • Muffled hearing
  • A blocked sensation
  • Reduced hearing in the affected ear

Hearing often improves as the underlying problem resolves.

Sudden or significant hearing loss, however, deserves prompt medical evaluation.

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing otitis externa.

These include:

  • Water trapped in the ear
  • Frequent swimming
  • Excess moisture
  • Damage to ear-canal skin
  • Cotton swab use
  • Scratching inside the ear
  • Earbuds or hearing devices that irritate the canal
  • Certain skin conditions

Often, moisture and skin irritation occur together.

Why Does Water Increase The Risk?

The ear canal is normally protected by a thin layer of earwax and healthy skin.

Frequent moisture can disrupt that protective environment.

When the canal stays wet, the skin may become softer and more vulnerable to irritation.

Small breaks in the skin can then make it easier for microorganisms to grow.

This is why keeping the ears appropriately dry can help reduce risk.

Can You Get Swimmer’s Ear From A Shower?

Yes.

Swimming is not required.

Any situation that allows water to remain trapped in the ear may potentially contribute.

This can happen after:

  • Showering
  • Bathing
  • Washing your hair
  • Water sports

Some people are simply more prone to retaining moisture in the ear canal.

Can Cotton Swabs Cause Swimmer’s Ear?

Cotton swabs can contribute to ear-canal problems.

Placing them inside the canal may:

  • Scratch delicate skin
  • Push earwax deeper
  • Remove protective earwax
  • Cause irritation
  • Increase the risk of injury

Your ears generally do not need deep internal cleaning with cotton swabs.

A good rule to remember is:

Do not insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal.

What About Earbuds?

Earbuds don't automatically cause swimmer’s ear, but frequent use may contribute to irritation or moisture retention in some people.

Helpful habits include:

  • Keep earbuds clean
  • Avoid sharing earbuds
  • Allow irritated ears time to recover
  • Avoid placing earbuds into a painful or draining ear

If earbud use repeatedly causes discomfort, discuss it with a healthcare professional.

Swimmer’s Ear Vs. Middle Ear Infection

These conditions affect different parts of the ear.

Swimmer’s Ear — Otitis Externa

Affects the external ear canal.

Common features may include:

  • Pain when touching the outer ear
  • Ear-canal itching
  • Canal swelling
  • Drainage
  • Recent water exposure

Middle Ear Infection — Otitis Media

Occurs behind the eardrum.

It is particularly common in children and may occur after:

  • Colds
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Eustachian tube problems

An ear examination can help determine which area is affected.

Swimmer’s Ear Vs. Earwax Buildup

Earwax buildup can also cause:

  • Ear fullness
  • Muffled hearing
  • Blockage
  • Discomfort

However, significant pain when pulling on the outer ear and an inflamed ear canal may point more toward otitis externa.

Sometimes earwax and swimmer’s ear can occur together.

Trying to remove wax aggressively from a painful ear may worsen the problem.

Is Swimmer’s Ear Contagious?

Typical bacterial swimmer’s ear is generally not considered contagious in the way a cold or flu is.

You don't usually catch it simply by being around someone who has it.

However, sharing items placed in or around the ear isn't a good idea.

Avoid sharing:

  • Earbuds
  • Earplugs
  • Towels used around draining ears
  • Other personal ear equipment

Good hygiene is always appropriate.

How Is Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may:

  • Ask about recent swimming or water exposure
  • Review when symptoms began
  • Ask about ear drainage
  • Check for outer-ear tenderness
  • Examine the ear canal
  • Look for swelling or debris
  • Examine the eardrum when possible
  • Consider other causes of ear pain

The examination helps determine whether symptoms involve the external canal, middle ear, or another structure.

How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity.

Many uncomplicated cases are treated with prescription ear drops.

Depending on the situation, drops may contain medication designed to:

  • Treat infection
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Address specific organisms

The exact medication should be selected based on the examination.

This is particularly important because not every ear drop is safe when the eardrum may be perforated or when ear tubes are present.

Do You Need Antibiotics For Swimmer’s Ear?

Antibiotic ear drops are commonly used for bacterial otitis externa when appropriate.

Oral antibiotics are not automatically required for uncomplicated swimmer’s ear.

A healthcare provider determines treatment based on:

  • Severity
  • Examination findings
  • Spread beyond the ear canal
  • Medical history
  • Other risk factors

Use antibiotics only as prescribed.

Why Does The Eardrum Matter Before Using Ear Drops?

Some ear medications may not be appropriate if the eardrum has a hole or if a patient has certain ear tubes.

That's one reason you should be cautious about putting homemade remedies or random ear drops into a painful or draining ear.

A provider can examine the ear and choose an appropriate medication.

Should You Put Hydrogen Peroxide In Swimmer’s Ear?

Avoid putting hydrogen peroxide or other home remedies into a painful, inflamed, or draining ear unless a healthcare professional has specifically advised you to do so.

The ear canal may already be irritated.

Certain products may:

  • Cause additional irritation
  • Be painful
  • Be inappropriate when the eardrum is damaged

Medical evaluation is safer when you suspect an ear infection.

Can You Use Alcohol Or Vinegar In Your Ear?

Various homemade ear mixtures are sometimes discussed for swimmer’s ear prevention.

However, they aren't appropriate for everyone.

Do not put these products into the ear if you have:

  • Ear tubes
  • A known or suspected eardrum perforation
  • Active ear drainage
  • Significant ear pain
  • Recent ear surgery
  • Uncertainty about the condition of your eardrum

Ask a healthcare professional before using preventive ear solutions.

Should You Keep Swimming With Swimmer’s Ear?

Keeping the affected ear dry is generally important while the canal heals.

Continuing to expose an inflamed ear to pool or lake water may prolong irritation.

Your provider can tell you when it is appropriate to return to swimming based on the severity of the infection and treatment.

How Can You Keep Your Ear Dry?

After appropriate water exposure, you can:

  • Tilt your head to allow water to drain
  • Gently dry the outer ear with a towel
  • Avoid inserting objects into the canal
  • Follow medical recommendations if you frequently develop swimmer’s ear

Avoid aggressively digging into the ear to remove water.

Can A Hair Dryer Help Dry The Ear?

Some people use a hair dryer on a cool or low setting, held well away from the ear, to help moisture evaporate.

Avoid:

  • High heat
  • Holding the dryer close to the skin
  • Anything that causes discomfort

This should never replace medical treatment for an active infection.

How Long Does Swimmer’s Ear Last?

With appropriate treatment, many uncomplicated cases begin improving within a few days.

Complete recovery may take longer.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

  • Symptoms aren't improving
  • Pain becomes worse
  • Swelling increases
  • Drainage continues
  • Hearing worsens
  • New symptoms develop

Treatment sometimes needs adjustment.

What Happens If Swimmer’s Ear Is Not Treated?

An untreated infection may become increasingly painful.

Possible complications can include:

  • Increasing swelling
  • Canal blockage
  • Persistent drainage
  • Spread of infection into surrounding tissues

Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications and should not delay evaluation.

Why Is Swimmer’s Ear More Concerning In Some People?

Severe external ear infections can occasionally spread beyond the ear canal.

This is particularly concerning in people with certain risk factors, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Significant immune suppression
  • Advanced age with severe symptoms

Severe or persistent ear pain in a high-risk patient deserves prompt medical evaluation.

What Is Malignant Otitis Externa?

Despite the name, malignant otitis externa is not cancer.

It is a rare but serious infection that spreads from the external ear canal into deeper surrounding tissues and bone.

It is more likely to occur in certain high-risk patients, particularly those with diabetes or significant immune-system impairment.

Symptoms such as severe persistent ear pain, significant drainage, or worsening symptoms despite treatment deserve prompt evaluation.

Can Children Get Swimmer’s Ear?

Yes.

Children who spend significant time swimming may develop otitis externa.

A child may complain of:

  • Ear pain
  • Itching
  • Fullness
  • Pain when the ear is touched

Younger children may instead:

  • Pull at the ear
  • Become irritable
  • Avoid lying on one side

Because children can also develop middle-ear infections, an examination helps distinguish between the two.

How Can You Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?

Helpful habits may include:

  • Allow water to drain after swimming
  • Dry the outer ear gently
  • Avoid cotton swabs inside the canal
  • Don't scratch inside the ear
  • Keep earbuds clean
  • Avoid sharing earbuds
  • Follow medical advice about earplugs if needed
  • Ask about preventive strategies if infections repeatedly occur

People with ear tubes or previous eardrum problems should get individualized advice before using ear drops or preventive solutions.

Should You Use Earplugs While Swimming?

Earplugs may help some people reduce water exposure, particularly if they frequently develop swimmer’s ear.

However, poorly fitting earplugs may also irritate the canal.

If you use them:

  • Keep them clean
  • Make sure they fit comfortably
  • Don't share them
  • Stop using them if they cause irritation

Ask your healthcare provider about options if swimmer’s ear repeatedly returns.

When Should You Schedule An Evaluation?

Consider scheduling an appointment if you develop:

  • Persistent ear pain
  • Pain when touching the outer ear
  • Ear-canal itching with increasing discomfort
  • Drainage
  • Ear swelling
  • Muffled hearing
  • Symptoms after swimming
  • Symptoms that aren't improving
  • Repeated episodes of swimmer’s ear

An examination can determine whether the problem is swimmer’s ear or another ear condition.

When Does Ear Pain Need Prompt Medical Attention?

Seek prompt medical care for:

  • Severe or rapidly worsening ear pain
  • Significant swelling
  • Redness spreading around the ear
  • High or persistent fever
  • Sudden or significant hearing loss
  • Severe dizziness
  • Facial weakness
  • Significant drainage
  • Severe headache with concerning symptoms
  • Symptoms in a high-risk patient that are worsening

Patients with diabetes or significant immune suppression should have persistent or severe ear symptoms evaluated promptly.

What To Expect During Your Visit

During an evaluation, your provider may:

  • Ask when symptoms started
  • Ask about swimming or water exposure
  • Review ear-cleaning habits
  • Ask about cotton swab use
  • Ask about earbuds or hearing aids
  • Check the outer ear for tenderness
  • Examine the ear canal
  • Look for redness, swelling, or drainage
  • Examine the eardrum when possible
  • Determine whether ear drops are appropriate
  • Discuss keeping the ear dry
  • Provide follow-up instructions

More severe swelling may occasionally require additional measures so medication can reach the affected canal.

Why Choose Z-2-H Family Med & Urgent Care?

Our providers evaluate and treat many common ear and upper-respiratory concerns.

We proudly provide:

  • Swimmer’s ear evaluations
  • Ear pain evaluations
  • Ear infection evaluations
  • Ear-canal symptom evaluations
  • Ear drainage evaluations
  • Hearing-related symptom assessments
  • Pediatric and adult sick visits
  • Family medicine
  • Primary care
  • Urgent care
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Same-day appointments when available
  • Convenient Texas clinic locations

If your ear becomes painful after swimming—or simply hurts every time you touch the outside of it—our team can help determine what is causing the symptoms and what treatment may be appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is inflammation or infection involving the external ear canal.

Do You Have To Swim To Get Swimmer’s Ear?

No. Showering, bathing, trapped moisture, ear-canal irritation, and damage from objects such as cotton swabs may also contribute.

Why Does Swimmer’s Ear Hurt When You Touch Your Ear?

Inflammation affects the external ear canal, so moving the outer ear or pressing near the canal opening may increase pain.

Can Swimmer’s Ear Cause Hearing Loss?

Swelling and debris may temporarily muffle hearing. Sudden or significant hearing loss should be evaluated promptly.

Are Ear Drops Used To Treat Swimmer’s Ear?

Yes. Prescription ear drops are commonly used when appropriate. The specific medication depends on the examination and condition of the eardrum.

Can I Use Cotton Swabs To Clean Swimmer’s Ear?

No. Cotton swabs may irritate the canal, remove protective earwax, push debris deeper, or cause injury.

Can Children Get Swimmer’s Ear?

Yes. Children who swim frequently can develop swimmer’s ear, although other ear infections can cause similar symptoms.

When Should I See A Doctor For Swimmer’s Ear?

Consider evaluation for persistent ear pain, tenderness when touching the ear, drainage, swelling, muffled hearing, or worsening symptoms. Severe symptoms and symptoms in higher-risk patients deserve prompt attention.

Call To Action

If you're experiencing ear pain after swimming, tenderness when touching the outside of your ear, ear-canal itching, drainage, swelling, or muffled hearing, consider having your ear examined.

The providers at Z-2-H Family Med & Urgent Care can evaluate your symptoms, examine the ear canal and eardrum, and determine whether swimmer’s ear or another condition may be responsible.

We proudly serve patients in Brownwood, Keller, Arlington, and surrounding Texas communities.

Learn more about our Primary Care and Urgent Care services: https://www.zeal-to-heal.com

Schedule your appointment today: https://www.zeal-to-heal.com

Seek prompt medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening pain, significant swelling, redness spreading around the ear, sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, or other concerning symptoms.