What causes swimmer's ear?

Water left in the ear after swimming or bathing can soften the canal skin. Cotton buds, fingers, hearing devices, or scratching can then cause tiny breaks and remove protective wax. Bacteria can multiply in the irritated canal. Pain often worsens when the outer ear is touched or moved, and the canal may feel blocked, itchy, or swollen. Swimmer's ear is different from an infection deeper behind the eardrum, so an examination helps distinguish causes when symptoms are significant.

Keep the ear dry and avoid swimming until discomfort and discharge have settled. Do not put cotton buds, oils, or unadvised drops into the canal, particularly if you have had eardrum problems or ear surgery. A clinician may prescribe ear drops after checking the canal; use them exactly as directed and keep the ear clear of anything that could add irritation. A warm cloth against the outer ear may ease discomfort.

Arrange a GP consultation for increasing pain, discharge, reduced hearing, or symptoms that do not improve. Seek urgent help for severe pain with fever, swelling spreading around the ear, facial weakness, marked dizziness, or if you are seriously unwell. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should seek advice promptly because ear infections may need closer follow-up.

Ask whether the eardrum can be seen safely, which drops are appropriate, how to keep the ear dry, and when hearing should be reassessed.