When you swim, you expose your outer ear and ear canal to excess water. In some cases, the moisture gets inside your ear and leads to an inflammatory infection called swimmer's ear, or otitis externa. You can take several steps to remove water from your ear after swimming to prevent conditions that cause swimmer's ear.
Basics
Normally, your ear canals provide an effective defense against the onset of infection. The waxy substance in your ears, known as cerumen, creates an acidic environment that discourages bacterial growth. The shapes of your canals also help by sloping downward to drain water away from your ear. When water remains in your ear after you swim, it creates an effective breeding ground for the bacteria that cause swimmer's ear. Extended exposure to high humidity and heavy amounts of sweating can also create a bacteria-friendly environment.
Reducing Moisture
Reduce the exposure to excessive moisture by drying your ears thoroughly after you swim. Use a soft cloth or towel to gently dry off the surfaces of your outer ears, but don't stick anything into your ear canal. Instead, tilt your head to one side and allow any accumulated water to drip out on its own. You can also aid the drying process with a blow-dryer, kept on its lowest temperature setting and held a foot or more from your ear.
Eardrops
If your eardrum is intact, prevent water accumulation in your ear with a homemade eardrop solution made from one part rubbing alcohol and one part white vinegar. This solution seems to encourage drying inside your ear and makes your ear an unfriendly environment for bacteria and other infectious organisms. Before and after you swim, put one teaspoon of eardrops into each of your ears, then tilt your head and allow the drops to drain out. If you don't want to make your own solution, ask your pharmacist about commercial eardrps that serve the same purpose.
Other Steps and Considerations
Additional steps to reduce your risk of swimmer's ear include making sure the water you're swimming in is not polluted and doesn't have a high bacteria count; using earplugs when you swim; protecting your ears when you apply hair dye or spray; and keeping foreign objects such as paper clips, pins and cotton swabs out of your ear canal. If you develop any symptoms of swimmer's ear, such as pain, hearing loss, itching and yellow or yellowish-green drainage, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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