Swimmer's Ear: Prevention and Care
Understanding otitis externa and how to protect your ears when swimming.
What is Swimmer's Ear?
An infection of the outer ear canal
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the ear canal—the tube that runs from your outer ear to your eardrum. It's called swimmer's ear because it often occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria can thrive. This is different from earwax buildup, though both can cause ear discomfort.
Common Symptoms
Prevention Tips
Important Note
If you suspect you have swimmer's ear, please see your GP. This condition requires medical treatment, usually with antibiotic ear drops. We cannot perform ear wax removal if there's an active infection present.
Earwax and Swimming
Interestingly, earwax actually helps protect against swimmer's ear by creating a water-resistant barrier. However, if you have excessive wax that's trapping water in your ear canal, professional removal before the swimming season can help prevent problems.