Swimmer's Ear: Causes, Treatment, and How to Prevent Recurrence

When water stays trapped in your ear after swimming, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow—leading to swimmer's ear, a painful infection of the outer ear canal also known as otitis externa. Also known as outer ear infection, it’s not the same as a middle ear infection, and it doesn’t always happen only to swimmers—anyone who gets moisture stuck in their ears is at risk. You might notice itching, redness, or a feeling of fullness, then pain that gets worse when you tug on your earlobe. It’s common, treatable, and usually goes away fast with the right care—but if ignored, it can turn into something much more serious.

Otitis externa, the medical term for swimmer's ear, is often triggered by moisture, scratches in the ear canal from cotton swabs, or even too much cleaning. The skin inside the ear is delicate, and when it’s damaged or damp, bacteria like Pseudomonas take over. People who swim often, use hearing aids, or have eczema are more likely to get it. But it’s not just about swimming—it’s about moisture, skin health, and how you clean your ears. The good news? Most cases respond well to ear drops, prescription medicated drops that fight infection and reduce swelling. These aren’t just pain relievers—they contain antibiotics or antifungals that target the root cause. Over-the-counter drops won’t cut it if the infection is active. You need the right prescription, and you need to use it exactly as directed—even if the pain fades after a day or two.

Preventing swimmer's ear isn’t about avoiding water. It’s about keeping your ears dry and protected. After swimming or showering, tilt your head to drain water, use a hair dryer on low heat from a distance, or try over-the-counter drying drops made with alcohol and vinegar. Never stick anything inside your ear canal—not cotton swabs, not fingers, not bobby pins. If you swim regularly, consider custom-fitted earplugs. And if you’ve had it before, ask your doctor about preventive drops you can use after swimming. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being smart.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve dealt with this—how to spot early signs, what treatments actually work, why some home remedies backfire, and how to stop it from returning. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, tested advice.