Do you know that Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal which runs from eardrum to outside of your head. This often occurs when water remains are trapped in the ears after swimming. This creates a moist environment, which leads to bacterial growth. Our ear canals have natural defenses that help keep them clean and prevent infection. Putting cotton swabs, finger, or other foreign objects in your ears can also cause swimmer’s ear that can damage the thin layer of skin lining of your ear canal.

The symptoms are usually mild at the initial stage, but it can worsen if the infection isn’t treated or if it spreads. The infection stages are often classified as mild-moderate and advanced stages of progression.

Mild Signs & Symptoms

Itching in the ear canal

Minor redness inside your ear

Drainage of clear, odorless fluid

Moderate Progression

More intense itching inside the ear

Severe pain

Excessive fluid drainage

Redness in ear

The feeling of fullness inside the ear

Partial blockage of the ear canal by swelling, debris and fluid

Advanced Progression

Pain that might radiate to face, neck or side of the head

Complete blockage of your ear canals

Swelling of the outer ear

Fever

What Can we do to prevent swimmer’s ear?

Keep your ears as dry as possible, place an ear cap covering your head, and use earplugs while swimming.

Turn your head from side to side once you are of the pool; this helps water drain out from your ears.

Don’t stick anything into your ear canal

Do not swim in a polluted pool

When to consult an ENT specialist?

Consult your specialist if you even have mild signs or symptoms of swimmer’s ear.