Ear Pain While Swimming: What to Know

Water left in the outer ear can soften the skin and encourage irritation, especially after repeated swimming. Pain when the outer ear is touched or moved is more suggestive of an irritated ear canal. Earwax buildup can trap water and cause fullness or muffled hearing. Pain deeper inside the ear, particularly with fever or a recent cold, may reflect a middle-ear infection instead.

Swimming itself does not explain every earache. Sinus congestion, jaw tension, or throat problems can also be felt near the ear.

After swimming, tilt your head to each side and gently dry the outer ear with a towel. Do not insert cotton buds, fingers, or other objects into the canal. Pause swimming until pain, discharge, or irritation has been assessed or has clearly settled.

A clinician can check for canal inflammation, wax, or infection. Ear drops should be chosen carefully, particularly if you have had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or discharge.

Arrange an assessment if pain lasts, the ear becomes swollen or very tender, hearing changes, or fluid comes out. Seek urgent help for severe pain, spreading redness, swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, or severe dizziness.

Is the pain coming from the ear canal or middle ear? Is there wax or a damaged eardrum? When can I safely return to swimming, and should I use any protective measures?