subject: Swimmers Ear – Risks, Symptoms, Treatments [print this page] Swimmer's Ear is a common condition of people of all ages. You might be surprised to discover some of the risks, symptoms, and treatments for AOE.
Although many people associate ear infections with young children or teenagers, acute otitis externa (AOE) may affect swimmers and non-swimmers of any age.
Risk Factors for Swimmer's EarAs the name would indicate, people who swim regularly may be more likely to develop acute otitis externa. Water from swimming, showering, or bathing can remove earwax, which can protect the ears from infection. Studies have shown a possible added risk if the water is alkaline. Water that is likely to harbor bacteria, such as polluted water and water in hot tubs is more likely to cause infections as well. Other risks include:
Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczemaTrauma, including damage occurring with excessive or rough cleaning or attempts at wax removalAbnormal ear development including narrow ear canalsEar conditions such as cholesteotomaDiabetes Research indicates that diabetes and other conditions make earwax more alkaline.Assistive devices such as ear plugs and hearing aidsContact with chemicals like hair spray or hair dyeCertain cancer treatmentsInfections such as impetigo or erysipelas (St. Anthony's fire)Symptoms of Swimmer's EarItching in the ear that worsens if you pull on the outer earFeeling that the ear is blocked or fullPain in the ear that may spread to the face, side of the head, or neckSwelling around the ear and/or lymph nodes in the neckDrainage, including pus, in the earImpaired hearingFeverMore severe infections may lead to damage to nearby bone and cartilageTreatment for Swimmer's EarTreatment is aimed at clearing the infection, decreasing the swelling and pain, and prevention of other complications. A healthcare provider may also recommend specific preventive therapy.
Thorough and careful cleaning of the earAcidifying ear drops These are usually less expensive and do not lead to increased resistant bacteria.Antibiotic ear drops Antibiotic drops often ease the pain within a day and clear the infection within a week. These may not be the first choice for some physicians because some cases of AOE are not caused by bacteria; topical antibiotics can make symptoms worse in people who are sensitive to the antibiotic; and unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to more resistant bacteria. Some people get a secondary fungal infection after antibiotic treatment, and antifungal medications would be indicated for this.Oral or intravenous antibiotics These are more likely to be used if the infection extends beyond the ear canal or if the person has diabetes or conditions that affect immunity.Steroid ear drops Studies have shown that steroids used with antibiotics help improve symptoms quicker.Antiviral medications are indicated if the AOE results from a viral infection.If ear symptoms are caused by conditions such as eczema, the primary condition should also be treatedPain medicationsSome alternative therapies, such as ear candling, can potentially damage the ear.AOE at a GlanceSwimmer's ear may affect anyone of any age. Although exposure to water is the most common risk, several other risks do not involve water. The use of drops in the ears tends to be a front-line treatment for acute otitis externa, but more aggressive therapies may be used if the infection spreads, does not clear, or if immunity-altering conditions are present.
