Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.
General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. It usually starts when water gets trapped in the ear after swimming, letting bacteria build up, and it’s most common in summer and in children. Typical symptoms are ear pain that gets worse when you chew or pull on your ear, itching, a blocked feeling and sometimes discharge. It needs treatment, usually prescription ear drops from a doctor, so see a GP if you have ear pain or discharge. Keeping your ears dry is the best way to prevent it.
If you spend a lot of time at the beach or in the pool this summer, here’s how to spot swimmer’s ear early and keep it from coming back.
What causes swimmer’s ear?
The skin inside your ear canal normally keeps germs out. Swimmer’s ear happens when that barrier breaks down. healthdirect lists these common triggers:
- water that stays in your ear after swimming, surfing or showering;
- cleaning your ear canal with cotton buds or other objects, which can scratch the skin;
- shampoo or other chemicals irritating the skin in your ear;
- eczema or dermatitis in the ear;
- wearing hearing aids, earbuds or headphones often.
It’s more likely in warm, wet weather like a Gold Coast summer, and people with diabetes or a weakened immune system are more likely to get it, and to get complications.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually appear within 2 days and can include:
- ear pain, from mild to severe, that’s often worse when you chew or move your ear;
- itching inside the ear;
- a full or blocked feeling, or muffled hearing;
- redness around the ear;
- discharge, which can be clear and watery or look like pus.
How is swimmer’s ear treated?
See a GP if you think you have swimmer’s ear. It’s important to start treatment early so the infection doesn’t get worse or spread. Your doctor will usually prescribe ear drops to fight the infection, and may clean out your ear canal first. Antibiotic tablets usually aren’t needed for an uncomplicated infection.
While you’re being treated:
- keep your ear canal dry, and check with your doctor before swimming again;
- wear a shower cap or soft earplugs in the shower;
- don’t put cotton buds or anything else in your ear.
Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with the pain. Ask our pharmacists which suits you, and always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Most people start to feel better within 3 days of starting treatment. If your symptoms haven’t improved after 3 days, go back to your doctor.
How can I prevent swimmer’s ear?
- Keep water out. Wear earplugs or a swimming cap when you swim, and avoid swimming in dirty water.
- Get water out. Tilt your head to each side after swimming to let water drain, then gently dry your outer ears with a towel. A hair dryer on the lowest heat and speed setting, held well away from your ear, can help.
- Leave earwax alone. Earwax helps protect the ear canal. Don’t use cotton buds or put anything into your ears.
- Give your ears a break. Take out hearing aids and earbuds regularly so your ears can breathe.
What about drops that dry your ears?
Some pharmacy ear drops help dry the ear canal after swimming, and can help people who get swimmer’s ear often. They aren’t suitable for everyone. Don’t use them if you have grommets (ear tubes), a perforated eardrum, ear pain, discharge, or an ear infection right now. Ask our pharmacists whether they suit you or your child, and always read the label and follow the directions for use.
What is surfer’s ear?
Surfer’s ear is different. It’s a bony growth in the ear canal caused by years of exposure to cold water and wind, and it’s very common in Australian surfers. Large growths can trap water and lead to repeated bouts of swimmer’s ear, and can affect your hearing. If you surf often and keep getting ear infections, mention it to your GP.
When to see a pharmacist or GP
See a GP if you have:
- ear pain, itching or a blocked ear that’s getting worse;
- any discharge from your ear;
- diabetes or a weakened immune system, and ear symptoms;
- grommets or a perforated eardrum, and ear pain or discharge;
- symptoms that haven’t improved after 3 days of treatment.
Get medical help urgently if you have a fever, swelling around your ear, weakness, drooping on one side of your face, or you’ve had a significant head or ear injury. In an emergency, call 000.
The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, can see you, and we can fill your prescription a few steps away. Talk to our pharmacists about preventing swimmer’s ear, or if you’re not sure whether you need to see a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is swimmer’s ear contagious?
No. It’s an infection of the skin in your own ear canal, so it doesn’t spread from person to person.
Can I swim with swimmer’s ear?
Check with your doctor first. Keeping your ear canal dry while it heals is an important part of treatment.
Can I treat swimmer’s ear at home?
Not usually. Swimmer’s ear needs treatment, most often prescription ear drops, so see a GP. You can ease the pain with pain relief while you wait to be seen.
How do I stop my child getting swimmer’s ear?
Use earplugs or a swimming cap, help them tilt their head to drain water after swimming, and gently dry their outer ears. Don’t use cotton buds. Ask our pharmacists about drying drops if your child gets it often, but don’t use them if your child has grommets.
Should I clean my ears with cotton buds?
No. Cotton buds can scratch the skin in your ear canal and push wax further in. Earwax helps protect the ear, so it’s best left alone.
Spending summer in the water? Ask our pharmacists at Pacific Fair about keeping your ears healthy. No appointment needed.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Talk to our pharmacists at Pacific Fair
Pop in, no appointment needed. We’re on the ground floor of Pacific Fair (Pac Fair), Broadbeach, open 7 days and until 9pm on Thursdays. Park in the Orange car park, directly under us. Gate 7 is the closest entry, and the first 4 hours are free.