Swimmer's ear is the common name for otitis externa, a painful infection of the outer ear. This is a common condition that results in approximately 2.4 million doctor visits and nearly half a billion dollars in health care costs annually in the United States alone. There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk after swimming, bathing or using a hot tub.
Causes
Water may become trapped in the ear canal from swimming, baths, showers or a moist climate. Excess moisture inside the ear creates an environment that promotes the rapid growth of bacteria or fungi. These may be microbes normally found on the skin or they may be types that enter the ear with contaminated water. Some individuals are prone to recurring or chronic swimmer's ear. In particular, children have a higher risk of external ear infections because their ear canals are narrower. Individuals with skin conditions such as eczema or seborrhea are more likely to suffer from swimmer's ear because lesion debris traps water in the ear.
Tips After Swimming
You may not be able to avoid ear infections completely but you can reduce your risks by taking some simple steps. Keep your ears as dry as possible by using earplugs while swimming. For people with recurring ear infections, custom-fitted molds may be more effective than other types of earplugs. Immediately after swimming, use a towel to dry your ears. Tilt your head to each side and tug on your outer ear to allow water to drain from the ear canal. You can also use a hair dryer to dry the inside of your ears. Always keep the hair dryer on the lowest heat and fan setting and hold it at least 12 inches from your ear.
Other Preventative Measures
Follow any posted warnings and avoid swimming in lakes or ponds with bacterial contamination. Pools that are properly disinfected are less likely to spread infection. Test your pool for adequate disinfectant and proper pH levels or ask your pool operator about their maintenance schedule. Levels should be measured at least twice each day. Never insert objects into your ear canal to remove earwax; even cotton swabs can push wax and other debris further into your ear canal and cause irritation. If you experience frequent infections, ask your doctor about ear drops to use after swimming. Never apply ear drops or other medications without your doctor's approval. When used improperly, ear drops may worsen symptoms or contribute to hearing loss.
Symptoms
An external ear infection causes pain that intensifies when the outside of the ear is touched. The ear canal and the auricle, the visible outer part of the ear, will appear red and swollen. You may experience discharge from the ear and hearing loss. An infection that has progressed to the middle ear may produce dizziness, fever, vomiting, ringing and buzzing in the ear, in addition to the above symptoms. If you have any signs of an external ear infection, consult your health care provider. Do not try to treat the infection on your own. While you are awaiting treatment, avoid swimming and do not submerge your head while bathing.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope, a lighted instrument that allows her to assess the interior ear. She will look for redness, swelling and debris in the ear canal. Often, debris or excessive earwax may be blocking the canal and your doctor will need to clean this area in order to obtain a better view. She will also determine whether your ear drum is affected by using a bulb attached to the otoscope to push air through the ear canal. Normally air causes the ear drum to move but a middle ear infection causes fluid to accumulate and hampers this motion. If your infection has moved into the middle ear, your doctor may prescribe additional treatment or a longer course of medication.
Treatment
After your doctor has diagnosed an ear infection, you will receive a prescription for antibiotics. It is important to continue taking the full course of the medication, even if your symptoms improve. Oral antibiotics generally begin to reduce the pain of an ear infection within 12 to 24 hours. While you are waiting for the antibiotics to take effect, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain relief medication to help reduce fever and manage pain. It is crucial to keep your ear dry while you are treating an ear infection. Do not swim or submerge your head while bathing. Place cotton in the affected ear to keep water out while you shower. Use care to keep hair spray and other styling products away from your ear.
