What should you know about swimming with swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal. Repeated water exposure can soften the canal skin, wash away protective oils, and prolong irritation. Pain may be worse when the outer ear is pulled, and swelling can narrow the canal enough to muffle hearing. The condition is different from an infection behind the eardrum, so an examination helps select the right treatment.

Keep water out of the ear while symptoms are present. During bathing, ask a clinician or pharmacist about a safe barrier; do not push material deep into the canal. Use prescribed drops exactly as directed and do not share them. Do not scratch the canal or use cotton buds, oils, or home mixtures.

Once pain, discharge, and tenderness have settled, ask when swimming can resume. Dry the outer ear gently after future swims and take advice if episodes keep returning.

Arrange a GP consultation if pain is moderate or severe, symptoms continue, hearing becomes muffled, or fluid comes from the ear. Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness, fever with severe pain, facial weakness, or feeling seriously unwell.

Ask how long to avoid swimming, whether the eardrum is intact, which drops are needed, and what protection is safe during showers or future swims.