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Swimmers Ear – Risks, Symptoms, Treatments

Learn About Acute Otitis Externa (AOE) and Help for Ear Infection

Jul 15, 2009 Katrena Wells

Swimmer's Ear is a common condition of people of all ages. You might be surprised to discover some of the risks, symptoms, and treatments for AOE.

Although many people associate ear infections with young children or teenagers, acute otitis externa (AOE) may affect swimmers and non-swimmers of any age.

Risk Factors for Swimmer’s Ear

As the name would indicate, people who swim regularly may be more likely to develop acute otitis externa. Water from swimming, showering, or bathing can remove earwax, which can protect the ears from infection. Studies have shown a possible added risk if the water is alkaline. Water that is likely to harbor bacteria, such as polluted water and water in hot tubs is more likely to cause infections as well. Other risks include:

Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
Trauma, including damage occurring with excessive or rough cleaning or attempts at wax removal
Abnormal ear development including narrow ear canals
Ear conditions such as cholesteotoma
Diabetes – Research indicates that diabetes and other conditions make earwax more alkaline.
Assistive devices such as ear plugs and hearing aids
Contact with chemicals like hair spray or hair dye
Certain cancer treatments
Infections such as impetigo or erysipelas (St. Anthony’s fire)

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Itching in the ear that worsens if you pull on the outer ear
Feeling that the ear is blocked or full
Pain in the ear that may spread to the face, side of the head, or neck
Swelling around the ear and/or lymph nodes in the neck
Drainage, including pus, in the ear
Impaired hearing
Fever
More severe infections may lead to damage to nearby bone and cartilage

Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear

Treatment is aimed at clearing the infection, decreasing the swelling and pain, and prevention of other complications. A healthcare provider may also recommend specific preventive therapy.

Thorough and careful cleaning of the ear
Acidifying ear drops – These are usually less expensive and do not lead to increased resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic ear drops – Antibiotic drops often ease the pain within a day and clear the infection within a week. These may not be the first choice for some physicians because some cases of AOE are not caused by bacteria; topical antibiotics can make symptoms worse in people who are sensitive to the antibiotic; and unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to more resistant bacteria. Some people get a secondary fungal infection after antibiotic treatment, and antifungal medications would be indicated for this.
Oral or intravenous antibiotics – These are more likely to be used if the infection extends beyond the ear canal or if the person has diabetes or conditions that affect immunity.
Steroid ear drops – Studies have shown that steroids used with antibiotics help improve symptoms quicker.
Antiviral medications are indicated if the AOE results from a viral infection.
If ear symptoms are caused by conditions such as eczema, the primary condition should also be treated
Pain medications
Some alternative therapies, such as ear candling, can potentially damage the ear.

AOE at a Glance

Swimmer’s ear may affect anyone of any age. Although exposure to water is the most common risk, several other risks do not involve water. The use of drops in the ears tends to be a front-line treatment for acute otitis externa, but more aggressive therapies may be used if the infection spreads, does not clear, or if immunity-altering conditions are present.

Information in this article is for informational purposes and is not intended to be medical advice. If you have questions regarding a suspected or known ear infection, consult with your healthcare professional.

Sources

“Acute Otitis Externa: Treatment Perspectives” by John Rutka (2004-09-04 ENT Journal)

American Academy of Otolaryngology Web Site

"Drops preferred over oral antibiotics" (2006-08, USA Today)

The copyright of the article Swimmers Ear – Risks, Symptoms, Treatments in General Medicine is owned by Katrena Wells. Permission to republish Swimmers Ear – Risks, Symptoms, Treatments in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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