When water becomes trapped in the ear, bacteria can cause inflammation and infection of the ear canal. This painful affliction is known as swimmer’s ear and can occur following exposure to any moist environment. It is most common in children and teenagers, individuals with eczema and anybody with excess earwax.
Causes of Swimmer’s Ear
Anybody who comes into frequent contact with water could develop swimmer’s ear (also known as external otitis). Activities such as swimming, surfing, diving and bathing are the most common causes. Water entering the ear canal can become trapped, especially when earwax is present. Any cut in the skin of the ear canal can increase the risk, as will coming into contact with water that is polluted or contains excess bacteria.
Despite the name, water exposure isn’t the only way of contracting swimmer’s ear; it can be caused by anything that damages the protective film of the ear canal, such as cotton swabs, chemicals found in hairspray or hair dyes, etc. Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and seborrhea may also contribute.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Itchiness and pain are usually the first symptoms to appear. There may be a feeling of fullness in the ear, followed by swelling, redness and drainage of fluids. Fever, temporary hearing loss, and swollen lymph nodes may occur. If left untreated, swimmer’s ear can lead to permanent hearing loss, chronic ear infections and damage to the cartilage and bone.
The best way to prevent swimmer’s ear is to keep moisture from entering the ear canals.
There are earplugs specially designed for swimmers that will keep water out. A solution of vinegar and rubbing alcohol applied in droplet form to the ears before any water exposure can be helpful, as well as wearing a shower cap when bathing and always drying the ears thoroughly after swimming and bathing.
If a patient does develop swimmer’s ear, home remedies are often a simple and effective method of treatment. Rinse and flush the ears with a saline solution or mixture of vinegar and warm water, and use a warm compress and over-the-counter pain medication to treat discomfort. If the condition is the result of a bacterial infection, the patient will be prescribed antibiotics.
Call Southern Utah Ear, Nose & Throat at (435) 628-3334 for more information or to schedule an appointment.