Otitis externa prevention: what to know

Otitis externa develops when the outer ear canal's skin becomes irritated, damaged, or persistently moist. Swimming, humid conditions, eczema, scratching, earbuds, and hearing aids can contribute. Removing protective earwax aggressively can also leave the canal more vulnerable.

Prevention lowers irritation but cannot prevent every episode. Recurrent pain or discharge may need assessment for an underlying skin problem, trapped debris, or another ear condition.

After bathing or swimming, let water drain naturally and dry only the outer ear with a towel. Use well-fitting swim protection if advised, but do not push it deeply into the canal. Keep cotton buds, hairpins, and fingers out of the ear. Clean earbuds and hearing-aid moulds as directed, and give the ear a break if they cause rubbing or soreness. Do not use drying drops if a clinician has warned of a perforated eardrum.

Arrange medical advice if prevention measures are followed but pain, itching, discharge, swelling, or hearing change returns. Seek prompt care for severe pain, fever, spreading redness, dizziness, facial weakness, or symptoms in a person with diabetes or reduced immunity.

Ask whether eczema or another skin condition is contributing, whether your swimming routine needs changing, and which products are safe if episodes keep recurring. Ask how to protect the ear if you use hearing aids.