Swimmer’s ear is a painful condition that happens when water gets trapped in the ear, causing infection and swelling. This can make your ear itchy, red, and sore. It’s called “swimmer’s ear” because it’s common among people who swim a lot, but anyone can get it.
At RK Audiology in Austin, TX, we can help if you have a swimmer’s ear or any other ear problem. Our friendly audiologists are ready to care for you at our two convenient locations in South Austin and Westlake. Don’t let swimmer’s ear bother you—contact RK Audiology today to get the help you need.
What causes a swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear happens when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow. Normally, your ears have natural defenses to keep them healthy. The ear canal is shaped in a way that helps water drain out naturally, and the skin inside the ear is covered with tiny hairs that protect it.
Cerumen, or earwax, plays a big role too. It acts as a barrier, trapping dirt and preventing bacteria from getting into the deeper parts of the ear. Earwax also has slight acidity, which helps stop the growth of harmful bacteria. However, when too much water gets inside the ear, or the earwax is removed, these natural defenses can be weakened, making it easier for infections like swimmer’s ear to develop.
Why Do People Get Swimmer’s Ear?
People get swimmer’s ear for a few reasons. One of the main causes is excess moisture in the ear, which can happen from swimming, bathing, or even sweating. When water gets trapped in the ear canal, it creates a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow.
Another cause is scratches or abrasions inside the ear canal. These can occur when you clean your ears with cotton swabs or insert objects like fingernails. These small injuries make it easier for germs to enter and cause an infection.
Some people also develop swimmer’s ear due to sensitivity reactions. Products like hairspray, shampoo, or earrings can irritate the ear canal, making it more prone to infection.
What Are the Signs of Swimmer’s Ear?
Mild signs and symptoms
The early signs of a swimmer’s ear include itching inside the ear canal and slight redness. You might also feel some discomfort or a sense that your ear is blocked. Sometimes, there’s a small amount of clear fluid draining from the ear. Hearing may be slightly affected as well. At this stage, the symptoms are usually mild but can worsen if not treated promptly.
Moderate progression
As the swimmer’s ear progresses, the discomfort becomes more intense. The redness increases, and the ear canal may start to swell, making it even harder to hear. Pain becomes more noticeable, especially when touching or pulling on the outer ear. There may also be more fluid drainage, which could turn to pus.
Advanced progression
In advanced stages, the pain can be severe and may spread to the face, neck, or side of the head. The ear canal may be completely blocked by swelling, causing significant hearing loss. Fever might develop, and the lymph nodes around the ear can become swollen and tender. At this stage, urgent medical treatment is necessary to prevent further complications.
How is a swimmer’s ear diagnosed?
Swimmer’s ear is diagnosed by a healthcare provider, typically through a physical examination and a review of your symptoms. During the examination, the doctor will look inside your ear using an otoscope, a special tool with a light and a magnifying lens. This allows them to check for signs of redness, swelling, or fluid in the ear canal, which are common indicators of a swimmer’s ear.
The doctor may also gently move the outer ear to see if it causes pain, another symptom of a swimmer’s ear. In some cases, they might take a sample of the fluid draining from the ear to identify the type of bacteria or fungus causing the infection. This helps in choosing the right treatment. Early diagnosis is important to prevent the condition from worsening and to start appropriate treatment promptly.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?
Swimmer’s ear is typically treated with ear drops prescribed by an audiologist. These drops often contain a combination of antibiotics to fight infection, steroids to reduce swelling, and sometimes antifungal medication if a fungus is involved. It’s important to use the drops exactly as directed, usually for 7 to 10 days, to ensure the infection clears up completely.
In addition to ear drops, your doctor may recommend keeping the ear dry and avoiding swimming or getting water in the ear until the infection is gone. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. In more severe cases, if the ear canal is very swollen, the doctor might insert a small wick to help the ear drops reach deeper into the ear. Following these treatments closely usually leads to a full recovery within a week or two.
Can Swimmer’s Ear Be Prevented?
Yes, a swimmer’s ear can often be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. First, keep your ears dry, especially after swimming or bathing. You can gently dry your ears with a towel and tilt your head to each side to help any trapped water escape. Using earplugs or a swim cap can also help keep water out when swimming.
It’s important to avoid putting foreign objects in your ears, such as cotton swabs, fingernails, or sharp objects. These can scratch the ear canal, making it easier for bacteria or fungi to cause an infection.
Protect your ears from irritants like hair products, shampoo, or jewelry that can cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin inside the ear canal. If you do use these products, try to keep them out of your ears.
Finally, be extra careful after an ear injury or infection. If your ear has been hurt or recently infected, it’s more vulnerable to a swimmer’s ear. Make sure it heals completely before exposing it to water or potential irritants. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting a swimmer’s ear.
Swimmers Ears Risk Factors
Frequent Water Exposure: Regular swimming or other water activities can trap moisture in the ear, creating an environment where bacteria or fungi can grow.
Inserting Objects in the Ear: Using cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects to clean the ear can cause scratches or remove protective earwax, increasing the risk of infection.
Ear Canal Shape: Some people have narrower ear canals that can trap water more easily, making them more prone to a swimmer’s ear.
Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can make the ear canal more sensitive to infection.
Use of Hearing Aids or Earbuds: Frequent use can irritate the ear canal or trap moisture, leading to a higher risk of swimmer’s ear.
Exposure to Contaminated Water: Swimming in lakes, rivers, or poorly maintained pools can increase the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria.
Swimmers Ears: Complications
Swimmer’s ear, if not treated properly, can lead to several serious complications. One of the most common issues is temporary hearing loss, which occurs due to swelling and fluid buildup in the ear canal. This blockage can make it difficult to hear clearly until the infection is resolved.
In some cases, swimmer’s ear can progress into chronic otitis externa, a long-term infection that persists or frequently recurs. This condition can cause ongoing discomfort, itching, and discharge, and it may require extended treatment to manage effectively.
Cellulitis is another potential complication, where the infection spreads into the deeper layers of the skin and tissue around the ear. This can lead to severe pain, redness, and swelling, and it often requires antibiotics to treat.
If the infection becomes more severe, it can lead to bone and cartilage damage. Known as malignant otitis externa, this is a rare but serious condition where the infection spreads to the bones and cartilage around the ear, leading to more extensive damage.
In extreme cases, the infection can spread to nearby areas, including the skull, brain, and nerves. This can lead to life-threatening conditions that require urgent medical attention. Prompt treatment of swimmer’s ear is essential to prevent these serious complications.
Swimmer’s Ears Management | RK Audiology
Suppose you experience pain, itching, or any other troubling symptoms in your ears. In that case, it’s crucial to see a doctor right away. Early treatment of a swimmer’s ear can prevent complications and help you get back to feeling your best quickly.
At RK Audiology in Austin, TX, our experienced audiologists are here to provide the care you need. Whether you’re dealing with a swimmer’s ear or any other ear-related issue, we’re ready to help at our two convenient locations in South Austin and Westlake. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment with RK Audiology today to ensure your ears stay healthy and comfortable.