Swimmer’s Ear

Swimming is a favorite summer pastime for many, providing relief from the summer heat and offering a great form of exercise. However, it can sometimes lead to an uncomfortable and often painful condition known as swimmer’s ear or otitis externa. This condition is more common in the summer months due to the increased frequency of swimming activities.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal—the tubular opening that carries sounds from the outside of the body to the eardrum. This infection typically occurs when water gets trapped in the ear after swimming, creating a damp environment that aids in the growth of bacteria and fungi. While it is common among swimmers, anyone can get it from any situation where water becomes trapped in the ear canal.

Why is it More Common in Summer?

Swimmer’s ear sees a spike in cases during the summer months primarily due to lifestyle changes. People are more likely to go swimming during hot weather to cool off, resulting in increased exposure to conditions that might cause swimmer’s ear. Furthermore, swimming in bodies of water like lakes or public pools that may have higher levels of bacteria can increase the chances of developing this condition.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

The symptoms of swimmer’s ear can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Itching in the ear canal
• Redness inside the ear
• Discomfort or pain, particularly when pulling on the outer ear
• Drainage of a yellowish-brown or white fluid
• Muffled hearing or hearing loss

In more severe cases, swimmer’s ear may also cause fever, severe pain that may radiate to the face and neck, and swelling in the lymph nodes around the ear or neck.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention is always better than cure, and this saying holds true for swimmer’s ear. The following tips can significantly reduce the risk of developing otitis externa:

• Use a bathing cap, ear plugs or custom-fitted swim molds to prevent water from entering the ears while swimming.
• Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering. You can use a towel or tilt your head to the side to let the water drain out.
• Avoid swimming in water with high bacteria levels. Many public health departments provide information about local water quality.
• Never attempt to scratch the inside of your ear or remove earwax with a foreign object. This can damage the skin in your ear canal and create an entry point for bacteria.

The treatment of swimmer’s ear depends on the severity and extent of the infection. Mild cases might be managed with careful cleaning of the ear canal and use of prescription ear drops that inhibit bacterial or fungal growth and reduce inflammation. Severe infections might require oral antibiotics and pain medications.