Swimmer’s Ear (otitis externa)

July 2, 2019 |

Person swimming down to the bottom of a lap pool

It’s that time of year where everyone is hitting the beach, pool, or any place to stay cool and beat the summer heat. As an ENT office, we see an increase in patients who are suffering from swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear is a condition where water becomes trapped in the ear canal causing infection, inflammation, and pain. This condition is common among swimmers, hence the term “swimmer’s ear”.

An otolaryngologist can help diagnose and treat patients with swimmer’s ear. This will include an examination of the ear and recommendations to treat such as:

  • Avoid water exposure
  • Apply heat to affected ear
  • Over the counter pain relievers
  • Antibiotics

Now that we know the signs and treatment of swimmer’s ear, it is important to know how to prevent it. Keeping the ears dry with earplugs or eardrops is a great place to start. It’s also best to avoid placing objects in the ear that could scratch the skin of the ear canal such as cotton swabs.

If you have developed ear pain following exposure to water, it is best to be evaluated by an ear specialist. The providers at Michigan ENT and Allergy have advanced equipment and technology that allows them to diagnose and treat disorders of the ear and they are ready to serve you!


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