Common Problems : Swimmer's Ear ( Otitis Externa )

Swimmer's Ear is an infection of the outer ear structures. It typically occurs in swimmers, but since the cause of the infection is water trapped in the ear canal, water from bathing or showering may also cause this common infection. When water is trapped in the ear canal, bacteria that normally inhabit the skin and ear canal multiply, causing infection and irritation of the ear canal. If the infection progresses it may involve the outer ear.

The most common symptoms of swimmer's ear are mild to moderate pain that is aggravated by tugging on the outer ear and an itchy ear. Other symptoms may include any of the following:

• Sensation that the ear is blocked or full
• Drainage
• Fever
• Decreased hearing
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Intense pain that may radiate to the neck, face, or side of the head
• The outer ear may appear to by pushed forward or away from the skull

Treatment for the early stages of swimmer's ear includes careful cleaning of the ear canal and eardrops that inhibit bacterial growth. Mild acid solutions such as boric or acetic acid are effective for early infections. For more severe infections, if you do not have a perforated eardrum, ear cleaning may be helped by antibiotics and topical steroids. If the ear canal is swollen shut, a sponge or wick may be placed in the ear canal so that the antibiotic drops will be effective. Pain medication may also be prescribed.

Follow up appointments are very important to monitor progress of the infection, to repeat ear cleaning, and to replace the ear wick as needed.