Inner Ear Infection Caused by Swimming

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is a bacterial infection of the inner ear canal. It occurs for a variety of reasons, but usually as a result of frequent water in the ear, as from swimming.

Background

• Your ears have a natural defense against bacterial infections. Earwax, found inside the ears, is slightly acidic, which is inhospitable to bacterial growth.

Causes

• When earwax is removed, such as from excessive use of cotton swabs, bacterial growth can begin. The same happens when water remains in the ear, as from routine swimming. Naturally having small ear canals also can lead to swimmer's ear, as it makes it harder for water to drain from the ear.

Symptoms

• Early symptoms of swimmer's ear include itching and redness in the ear canal, slight pain and some drainage. More advanced cases may result in excessive fluid drainage, pus, fullness in the ear, decreased hearing ability, pain, swelling in the ear and scaly skin in the outer ear.

Complications

• Swimmer's ear generally isn't serious, but left untreated, it can lead to complications such as temporary hearing loss, long-term ear infections, deep skin infections and even bone and cartilage damage. In rare cases, infections can spread to other areas, including the brain.

Treatment

• Swimmer's ear can be prevented with commercially available drops designed to dry the ear when a person swims frequently. If you still develop swimmer's ear, the infection is easily treated by your doctor. Early detection and treatment will help prevent more serious cases of swimmer's ear and other complications.