What should you know about clearing swimmer's ear?

Clearing swimmer's ear usually involves keeping the ear dry, avoiding objects in the canal, and using treatment recommended by a clinician or pharmacist. Swimmer's ear affects the skin lining the outer ear canal, so rubbing, scratching or adding unapproved liquids can prolong irritation. Pain relief may help while the inflammation settles, but worsening symptoms need an assessment.

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is inflammation of the passage between the ear opening and the eardrum. Water left in the canal can soften its protective skin; rubbing with a cotton bud, fingernail or earphone can then create tiny injuries. Bacteria or, less often, fungi may grow in this irritated area. Typical features include ear pain or tenderness when the outer ear is moved, itching, a blocked feeling, redness and fluid from the canal. Hearing can seem muffled when swelling or discharge narrows the passage.

Keep the affected ear dry while it heals. Avoid swimming, and protect the ear from shower water without pushing anything into the canal. Let water drain naturally and dry only the outside with a clean towel. Do not insert cotton buds, fingers, hairpins or ear-cleaning devices, and do not try to scrape away discharge. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether ear drops are suitable; do not use drops if you may have a perforated eardrum unless a healthcare professional has recommended them. Take pain medicine only as directed on its label and consider a GP consultation if pain is significant, persistent or difficult to control.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are not improving, keep returning, or include discharge, marked swelling or reduced hearing. Seek prompt care for severe pain, fever, spreading redness around the ear, dizziness, vomiting or new facial weakness. People with diabetes, reduced immunity or a history of ear surgery should seek advice early because an outer-ear infection can require closer monitoring. Do not delay assessment if something is lodged in the ear or if an injury happened before the pain began.

Ask what is causing the canal inflammation and whether the eardrum can be seen clearly. You can also ask which drops are appropriate, how to keep the ear dry, whether hearing should be checked, and what changes should prompt urgent review. Tell the clinician about recent swimming, ear cleaning, eczema, ear tubes, surgery, allergies and any medicines already tried.