Otitis Externa

by | Mar 31, 2022 | Primary Care

Close-up of a person gently touching their ear with a concerned expression, symbolizing ear pain and swimmer’s ear.

Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear, is inflammation of the external auditory canal. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can be very uncomfortable if left untreated.

What Causes Otitis Externa?

The most common bacterial organisms involved are:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

  • Staphylococcus aureus

  • Staphylococcus epidermidis

You may be at higher risk of developing otitis externa if you:

  • Swim frequently or have repeated water exposure

  • Clean or scratch your ears excessively

  • Use hearing aids, earbuds, or headphones that block the ear canal

  • Have allergic contact dermatitis affecting the ear canal

Symptoms of Otitis Externa

Common symptoms include:

  • Ear pain (often worse when the ear is touched)

  • Itching in the ear canal

  • Discharge from the ear

  • Redness or swelling in the outer ear canal

  • Temporary hearing loss

Treatment Options

Antibiotic ear drops are the most common treatment for otitis externa. These may be combined with steroid drops to reduce swelling and pain.

Prevention Tips for Swimmer’s Ear

You can reduce your risk of developing otitis externa by:

  • Shaking ears dry after swimming

  • Using a blow dryer on the lowest setting to gently dry ears after water exposure

  • Using over-the-counter ear drops after swimming to prevent infection

  • Wearing ear plugs while swimming to keep water out

When to Seek Medical Care

Because proper diagnosis and treatment are important, in-person evaluation is best. If you are experiencing symptoms of swimmer’s ear, seek medical care promptly.

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