Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. This type of infection is common and usually occurs in summer when you are more likely to go swimming. Swimmer's ear affects all age groups but is most common in children. It usually gets better quickly with treatment.

The symptoms of swimmer's ear usually appear within 2 days and can include:

• pain in the outer part of the ear — this may range from slightly uncomfortable to severe
• pain that feels worse when you chew
• itchiness of your ear
• a feeling of fullness in your ear
• muffled hearing
• red skin around your ear

You might also have discharge. This is liquid that comes from in your ear. It can be clear and watery or it can look like pus.

You should see your doctor if you have:

• ear pain
• itchiness
• discharge coming from your ear
• difficulty hearing

It's important to start treatment early so the infection doesn't get worse or spread.

If your symptoms haven't improved after 3 days of treatment, go back to your doctor for a review.

When to seek urgent care?

Swimmer's ear can be a sign of a serious infection. You should get urgent care if you have symptoms of swimmer's ear, as well as:

• a fever (high temperature)
• swelling around the ear
• weakness
• drooping on one side of your face

You should also get urgent care if you've had a significant head or ear injury.

If you think you might have swimmer's ear you should see your doctor. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They will use a device called an otoscope to look inside both of your ears for damage and swelling. They may also check your temperature or feel your lymph nodes (glands).

Your doctor will prescribe ear drops to fight the infection in your ear canal.

While you are using the ear drops, you should also:

• avoid getting your ear canal wet — check with your doctor before swimming
• wear a shower cap or soft ear plugs while in the shower
• not put anything into your ear canal including cotton buds
• avoid scratching or touching your ear

If you have severe swelling in your ear canal, you can insert a small sponge into the ear canal. This is called a wick, and it helps to make sure the ear drops get inside your ear canal.

Your doctor may also clean your ear canal. This can be done through swabs or a gentle suction technique called microsuction.

In most cases, your symptoms will start to improve after 3 days. If your symptoms have not improved at all after 3 days, see your doctor.

Most people will have few or no symptoms after the first week of treatment.

Medicines for swimmer's ear

If you have pain, you can use medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you have a weakened immune system your doctor might also prescribe you antibiotics.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking medicines for swimmer's ear.

Complications from swimmer's ear are rare.

Swimmer's ear can cause cellulitis (skin infection) around the ear.

If it's left untreated, swimmer's ear can cause necrotising otitis externa. This is a severe infection of the ear canal which can be life threatening.

There are ways you can help prevent swimmer's ear. You can:

• use earplugs while swimming
• avoid swimming in dirty water
• tilt your head after swimming to remove water from your ear canals
• avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into your ears
• regularly take out hearing aids or headphones

You can also use ear drops after you have been exposed to unclean water. Ask your pharmacist about how to protect your ears from getting infected.

The Emergency Care Institute offers information about different types of ear infections. (Opens in new tab)

Learn more about ear infections in babies and young children (Opens in new tab) with the Aboriginal Ear Health program Healthy Ears, Happy Kids.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.