What should you know about extreme ear pain after swimming?

Water can irritate the skin of the ear canal or remain trapped behind wax. Infection of the outer canal may cause pain when the outer ear is touched, itching, redness, or discharge. Middle-ear infection, a cold, sinusitis, or tonsillitis can cause deeper ear pain, pressure, fever, or reduced hearing, even when swimming was only a coincidence.

Do not assume the cause from the timing alone. An examination can distinguish the ear canal, eardrum, and nearby throat or sinus sources.

Keep the ear dry and let water drain naturally by tilting your head. Dry only the outside with a towel. Do not put cotton buds, fingers, oil, or unprescribed drops into the canal, and do not swim again until pain has settled or a clinician has advised you. Use simple pain relief only if it is normally safe for you and follow the package directions.

Seek urgent assessment for severe pain, pus or blood, marked swelling, new hearing loss, fever, dizziness, facial weakness, or pain spreading behind the ear. Get prompt help if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling.

Tell the clinician when swimming occurred, whether pain changes when the ear is moved, and whether there is discharge, itching, fever, blocked hearing, or recent respiratory illness. Ask whether you need ear drops, antibiotic treatment, or ear wax removal, and when swimming is safe again.