Water remaining in your ear after swimming can provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and disturb the cerumen, a waxy substance that helps protect the ear. This creates the right conditions for an infection called acute external otitis, commonly known as swimmer's ear. Although swimmer's ear is a minor ailment when properly treated, serious complications can sometimes result from untreated cases. Even mild cases of swimmer's ear should be seen by a doctor. If you have severe ear pain with fever, seek emergency medical care.
Features of Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear, often caused by a pathogen called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly strikes children and young adults, with symptoms usually appearing a few days after exposure. With a mild case of swimmer's ear, you may have discomfort, itching and redness inside the ear and drainage of a clear, odorless fluid. With a moderate case, the itching, pain and redness worsens and drainage increases; pus may emerge from the ear. Hearing is muffled or limited, and you may have a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear. An advanced case causes your ear canal to be completely blocked, with severe pain radiating to your face, neck and side of the head. The outer ear may become red and swollen; you may also experience fever and swollen lymph nodes in your neck. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that swimmer's ear can be distinguished from a middle ear infection by tugging on the earlobe or pressing the bump, or tragus, at the front of the ear. If the touch is painful, the condition is more likely swimmer's ear.
Treating Swimmer's Ear
It is important to treat swimmer's ear. Complications include cellulitis -- a deep-tissue infection -- as well as a rare but life-threatening condition called necrotizing otitis externa. You doctor will usually prescribe ear drops, which may contain steroids, antibiotics or antifungals. Pain is treated with over-the-counter pain medications; in severe cases, narcotic painkillers are used. You should avoid flying, as well as the use of earplugs and headphones. To prevent more water from getting into your ear, don't swim again until your doctor says it is safe, and use a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly to protect your ear while bathing.
Water Removal Tips
After swimming, you should tip your head to the side to allow water to drain out. Follow up by drying your ears thoroughly with a soft, clean towel. MayoClinic.com says it is safe to use a hair dryer set on the lowest heat setting, held at least a foot from your ear.
Preventing Swimmer's Ear
Watch for signs and warnings that water may have a high bacterial count. Lake water is most likely to cause swimmer's ear, with ocean water and bath water next in line. Properly chlorinated pool water is least likely to cause swimmer's ear. The CDC advises making sure that chlorine and pH levels are checked twice daily in pool and hot tubs, and recommends a chlorine level of 1 to 3 parts per million, along with a bromine level of 2 to 5 ppm. Recommended pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.8.
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