Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear)

Overview

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is a painful inflammation and infection of the ear canal, Opens dialog. It causes the ear canal to look red and swollen. The ear canal may be narrower than normal and is tender when the outside of the ear is gently pulled up and back.

Swimmer's ear may occur when water, sand, dirt, or other debris gets into the ear canal. This can damage the protective layer of the ear canal, which may lead to inflammation. It gets its name because it often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal. If you've had swimmer's ear in the past, you are more likely to get it again.

A rare but serious infection called malignant external otitis can develop if bacteria invade the bones inside the ear canal and spread to the base of the skull. But not many people get this infection. It's mainly seen in older adults who also have diabetes, Opens dialog, people who have HIV, Opens dialog, and children who have impaired immune systems, Opens dialog. But it can be fatal. Symptoms may include severe ear pain with drainage, loss of movement in part of the face, swelling, and breakdown of the skin in the ear canal. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection.

Other causes of inflammation or infection of the ear canal include:

  • Allergies.
  • Bony overgrowths in the ear canal called exostoses.
  • Bubble baths, soaps, and shampoos.
  • Cleaning the ear canal harshly or with a sharp object.
  • Headphones inserted into the ear.
  • Scratching the ear canal with a cotton swab, bobby pin, fingernail, or other sharp object.
  • Skin problems, such as eczema, Opens dialog, psoriasis, Opens dialog, or seborrheic dermatitis, Opens dialog.
  • Sweating.

You are more likely to get swimmer's ear if:

  • You have a very narrow or hairy ear canal.
  • You have earwax stuck in the ear canal (impacted) because you often use cotton swabs that may push the ear wax deeper into the ear canal.

Symptoms can include itching, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Your ear canal may be swollen. You may have moderate to severe pain, drainage, or hearing loss. The pain is worse when you chew, press on the bump (tragus) in front of the ear, or wiggle your earlobe. This is different from the pain of a middle ear infection (acute otitis media, Opens dialog).

You may be able to prevent swimmer's ear. Symptoms often get better or go away with home treatment.

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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