It starts as a perfect summer day. The sun is bright. The water is cool. You are splashing around with friends. Then, suddenly, the fun stops. Your ear throbs. It itches. It hurts to touch.
That is swimmer’s ear.
It is an infection of the outer ear canal. Most often, bacteria cause it. Sometimes, fungus is to blame. The name suggests it only happens to people who swim. That is not true. It can happen after a shower. It can happen if you poke your ear with a key or a fingernail. Any scratch in the canal opens the door.
Water is the main fuel. It washes away the protective wax. It leaves the ear warm and moist. Bacteria love that environment. They breed quickly.
Why Your Ear Hurts When You Pull It
The first sign is usually itching. Or a tingling sensation. You want to dig in. Do not do it. Scratching makes it worse.
Soon comes the pain. It can be mild. It can be severe. There is a simple way to tell if this is an outer ear infection and not an inner one. Gently tug on your earlobe. Wiggle it. Move it back and forth.
If that hurts, you likely have an external ear infection.
In worse cases, there is discharge. The swelling can block hearing. If the pain is significant, see a doctor. Do not wait.
Home Remedies to Keep Ears Dry and Clean
Prevention is easier than treatment. Here is how to stop swimmer’s ear before it starts.
Watch Where You Swim
Avoid dirty water. Lakes, ponds, and poorly maintained pools are risky. Dirty water means more bacteria. Choose cleaner spots.
Get the Water Out
Water sitting in the ear is an invitation for infection. If you feel water swishing around after a swim or shower, do not ignore it.
Shake your head toward the affected ear. This dislodges the water. Let gravity help you tilt your head to the side.
Add Drops to Dry the Canal
Over-the-counter antiseptic eardrops can help. Brands like Aqua Ear, Ear Magic, or Swim Ear are options. They are good for frequent swimmers who know the symptoms.
You can also make a mixture at home. The Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery says this is safe if you have a normal eardrum. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you.
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Use a clean dropper. Put a couple of drops in each ear after swimming or bathing.
The white vinegar kills bacteria and fungus. The alcohol absorbs water and may also help kill bacteria and fungus.
Some swimmers use just rubbing alcohol. Others use a mix of white vinegar and clean water. Both aim to keep the ears dry and infection-free.
Cover Your Head
A swim cap helps. Not for competitive swimmers who are underwater all the time. But for casual swimmers or those doing water aerobics? Yes.
Choose a cap that covers the ears tightly. It keeps water out.
Stay Out of Your Ears
Do not poke your ears. Do not swab them. Do not scratch them.
Earwax is antibacterial. It forms a natural protective barrier against moisture. Do not try to remove it all.
Don’t put anything in your ear that’s smaller than your elbow.
If you think wax buildup is hurting your hearing, see an ear doctor. They can remove it safely. Picking at it yourself risks scratching the skin. That scratch leads to infection.
The summer is long. The water is inviting. But your ears are delicate. Keep them dry. Keep them clean. Watch for the pain.
It is better to prevent than to suffer through the throbbing.
When to Stop Home Care and See a Doctor
Mild discomfort might just need keeping dry and some antiseptic drops. But if that pain lasts over an hour. If there is discharge. Or if your hearing changes. You need a physician immediately.
Do not swim while you have an ear infection.
The Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery has a specific warning. If your eardrum has ever been punctured. Or ruptured. Or injured in any way. Or if you have had ear surgery. You must consult an ear doctor before swimming. And before using any eardrops.
This is not a substitute for professional advice. The information here is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Neither the editors, the publisher, nor the author take responsibility for consequences from following this information.
Before starting any treatment. Or exercise. Or dietary change. Seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.
David J. Hufford, Ph.D. chairs the Medical Humanities Department at Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine. He also teaches in Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. He serves on editorial boards for journals like Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine and Explore.
