Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

Spending a lot of time at the pool this summer? Otitis externa, sometimes known as swimmer’s ear is a common problem especially among young children and teenagers. It can turn into a painful reason to avoid the pool and end up ruining summer fun. The good news is there are ways to prevent it.

Swimmer’s ear is caused by moisture in the outer ear canal which allows bacteria and fungus to grow creating an infection. Otitis externa can also result from irritation to the ear canal. This can be caused by foreign bodies, cleaning the ears with sharp instruments, and chemical irritants.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include ear pain, redness, itching, tenderness, discharge, and possibly muffled hearing. These are not to be confused with symptoms of otitis media or an inner ear infection. The inner and outer ear are separated by the ear drum. Since swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear, tugging and prodding the ear lobe causes pain unlike an inner ear infection. Inner ear infections can be accompanied by fever and may be treated with oral antibiotics depending on the cause and the patient’s age.

Your ears have natural defenses that help keep them free of infection. One of these mechanisms is the production of ear wax. Earwax helps remove debris such as dirt and dead skin cells by moving them out of the ear. The ear canal is also slanted downward to help water drain out. There are a few simple ways to help prevent swimmer’s ear and get the most out of going to the pool this summer. Earplugs are a simple way to keep water out of the ear canal thus preventing an environment for bacteria to grow. Also drying ears and allowing water to drain from each ear can help prevent swimmer’s ear. To help remove water after swimming, over the counter drying agents and home remedies containing alcohol and acetic acid (white vinegar) can be placed in each ear and then drained to get any excess water out. They should not be used if there is a current infection, injury to the ear drum, or the child has tubes in their ears.

Swimmer’s ear should be treated by a physician. Treatment for an existing swimmer’s ear infection may require antibiotics, steroids, acidic solutions, or antifungals. These are usually prescribed by the physician in the form of ear drops since they are targeting the outer ear canal. Oral medications can also be given.

To keep an earache from spoiling your summer fun, following these simple tips for preventing swimmer’s ear and enjoy your time at the pool.

Lacey Mullins, Pharm D.