Blocked ear after swimming in a pool

Water can remain in the outer canal and create temporary fullness or muffled hearing. Moisture and repeated swimming can irritate the canal, particularly if pain or tenderness develops. Earwax may swell or obstruct drainage when wet. Ringing can occur with a blocked canal, but marked hearing change, dizziness or discharge needs a closer look. The sensation alone cannot distinguish water, wax and infection.

Tilt the affected ear down, gently pull the outer ear back and up, and allow water to drain; dry only the outside with a towel. Keep swimming out of the ear until it feels normal. Never use cotton buds or insert objects. Do not use drops if you have ear tubes, previous ear surgery, a known eardrum perforation or discharge unless a clinician recommends them. A pharmacist can advise on suitable wax-softening drops when those concerns are absent.

Seek urgent attention for sudden hearing loss, severe pain, significant dizziness, facial weakness, blood or pus, or swelling around the ear. Book an assessment if the blockage lasts, keeps returning after swims, or is joined by fever, increasing pain or reduced hearing. Professional examination can guide safe ear wax removal when needed.

Ask whether water, wax or canal inflammation is responsible, which prevention steps suit your ears, and whether you need a hearing test or ear wax removal.