Keep getting swimmer's ear: what should you know?

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, affects the skin lining the outer ear canal. Water left in the canal creates a damp environment, while cotton buds, fingers, earbuds, or hearing devices can scratch the skin and remove protective wax. Eczema, narrow canals, and frequent swimming may add irritation. Earache, tenderness when the outer ear is moved, itching, redness, or discharge can occur. Hearing Loss may develop if swelling or debris blocks the canal, but it should not be assumed to be part of every episode.

After swimming, tilt the head to let water drain and dry the outer ear gently with a towel. Avoid putting cotton buds, hairpins, fingers, or unprescribed drops into the canal. Consider well-fitting swim protection if a clinician says it is suitable, and take breaks from activities that repeatedly leave water in the ears. Do not share earphones. A GP Consultation can check the canal and choose drops safely, especially if there is discharge, a perforated eardrum, diabetes, or reduced immunity.

Arrange prompt assessment for increasing pain, pus or blood, fever, spreading redness, marked swelling, or new Hearing Loss. Seek urgent help for severe pain with swelling around the ear, facial weakness, confusion, or feeling very unwell. Recurrent episodes should be reviewed so the trigger, ear canal skin, and eardrum can be checked rather than repeatedly self-treating.

Is the ear canal infected, irritated, or blocked with debris? Are swimming or ear devices contributing? Which drops are safe for my eardrum? How should I protect the ear during future swimming?