Swimmer’s ear doesn’t just affect swimmers – two ear doctors explain what you need to know about this painful condition

Swimmer's ear, also known as acute otitis externa, is a common ear infection that affects both children and adults. Despite its name, one does not have to swim to contract this painful condition. In fact, adults are more frequently affected, with children aged 5 to 12 being the exception. This condition occurs when moisture from activities like jogging, walking, or yardwork in hot weather gets trapped in the ear canal, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive.

The primary symptom of swimmer's ear is severe pain and discomfort, particularly when the outer ear is tugged or when touching the tragus – the small bump at the front of the ear. Other signs include itchiness, redness, swelling, and drainage in the ear. A feeling of fullness, temporary hearing loss, and imbalance are also possible.

While it's typically associated with swimmers, the condition can affect anyone exposed to moist environments or with predisposing factors such as narrow ear canals, skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis, or the use of ear plugs, hearing aids, or hair products containing chemicals.

Diagnosis typically involves a healthcare provider examining the ear, which will appear red, swollen, and moist. Fluid drainage or scaly skin may also be present. A sample of the fluid might be sent to a lab to identify bacteria or fungi. Treatment usually involves eardrops containing antibiotics and steroids to combat the infection and reduce swelling.

Ciprodex, an eardrop containing ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, is commonly prescribed. Patients are typically instructed to apply the drops four to five times a day for about ten days.