Preventing and Treating Swimmer’s Ear

Summer weather means more time spent engaged in water activities. Shelby Hunt, DNP, RN, CEN, associate chief nursing officer Northwest Specialty Hospital, an extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, recommends staying in tune with safety tips and health precautions to avoid conditions such as swimmer’s ear.

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer part of your ear that occurs when water collects in your ear canal and acts as a breeding ground for bacteria. If you are unable to remove the water, that is when the condition can develop.

If you start to experience pain or discomfort in your ear 24 hours to a couple of days after being in the water, you may have developed swimmer’s ear.

How can I prevent developing swimmer’s ear?

While swimmer’s ear is common, there are ways you can prevent it. Wax ear plugs or a swim cap can help block water from collecting in your ear.

You should also dry your ears thoroughly, and tilt your head side to side so water can drain from the ear canal. If it still feels like there is water in there, try pulling the earlobe in different directions with your ear facing the ground to help move the water out.

What are some at-home treatments for the condition?

If you suspect that you have swimmer’s ear, it is important to attempt to dry out the canal and remove the water. Over-the-counter ear drops are helpful, or you can try using a hair dryer on the coolest setting.

Do not use cotton or Q-tips, or insert any other items in the canal, as that can cause additional damage beyond the pooling water.

When do I need to seek medical care?

If your pain and discomfort are not going away or are becoming increasingly painful, it may be time to seek care from your local urgent care or emergency department. Medical professionals there can determine the next steps in treatment.

Learn more about Northern Nevada Health System’s 24/7 ER locations and Urgent Care clinics