Why does swimmer's ear cause hearing loss?

Sound normally travels through the open outer ear canal to the eardrum. With swimmer's ear, inflamed skin can swell inward and moisture, wax, or discharge can occupy the remaining space. Sound is then dampened before it reaches the eardrum, causing muffled hearing or a plugged-ear sensation.

Hearing Loss is a common presentation of Swimmer's Ear. It often occurs alongside pain when the outer ear is touched, itchiness, discharge, or a feeling of fullness. A hearing change can have many other causes, including wax, middle-ear problems, medication effects, and inner-ear conditions, so it should not be assumed to be swimmer's ear.

Keep the ear dry and avoid swimming until the canal has been assessed and has recovered. Do not insert cotton buds, drops from a previous illness, or objects to clear the blockage. These can pack material deeper or damage the skin. A clinician can inspect the canal and remove debris safely if needed.

Treatment may involve ear drops selected after the ear has been examined. Follow the instructions for any drops and tell the clinician about prior ear surgery, a known eardrum hole, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, weakness of the face, severe headache, or hearing loss with marked pain and swelling. Arrange prompt care if reduced hearing comes with discharge, fever, worsening pain, or does not begin to settle as the ear symptoms improve.

Ask whether swelling or debris is blocking the canal, whether the eardrum is visible, how to keep water out, and when your hearing should be rechecked.