Swimmer's Ear: Why Your Ear Hurts After Swimming and How to Prevent It

You had a great day in the water — the pool, a lake, the sea. That evening, as you lay your head on the pillow, you notice something odd in one ear. First a mild itch, as if something is crawling around in there. Then a stuffed-up feeling, as though water is trapped in the canal. By the next morning there's pain — gentle at first, but growing, especially when you touch the ear or tug on the outer part.

Sound familiar? It's very likely swimmer's ear, the common name for outer ear infection (medically known as otitis externa). It's one of the most frequent summer complaints — unpleasant, sometimes genuinely painful, but in most cases manageable, and, more importantly, easy to prevent.

In this article we'll explain what causes swimmer's ear, how to tell it apart from a middle ear infection, what you can do at home to ease symptoms, how to prevent it effectively, and — crucially — when you really need to see a doctor. Practical and straight to the point.

What is swimmer's ear and what causes it?

Swimmer's ear is an inflammation of the skin lining the external ear canal — the tube that runs from the outer ear to the eardrum. The name isn't accidental: the problem most often affects people who spend a lot of time in water.

Why is water in the ear a problem?

A healthy ear canal has a clever defence mechanism. Earwax (the same stuff many of us try to "clean out" with cotton swabs) creates a mildly acidic, lightly oily environment where bacteria and fungi struggle to multiply. It's a natural protective barrier.

When water regularly sits in the ear canal, that mechanism breaks down:

• Moisture softens the skin of the canal, making it more vulnerable to irritation and tiny abrasions.
• Water washes away and dilutes earwax, destroying the natural, acidic protective layer.
• A warm, moist environment is created — ideal for bacteria and sometimes fungi to thrive.

The result? Microorganisms that would normally have no chance begin to multiply, and the skin of the ear canal becomes inflamed. That's swimmer's ear.

What else raises the risk?

Water alone isn't the whole story. The risk climbs when other factors join the mix:

• Cleaning the ears with cotton swabs — one of the main culprits. A cotton swab doesn't really clean; it packs wax deeper and irritates and scratches the delicate canal skin.
• Minor injuries — scratching the ear with a fingernail, hairpin, key, or any other object.
• Swimming in contaminated water — lakes or poorly maintained pools contain more microorganisms.
• A narrow or curved ear canal — water drains more slowly.
• Frequent use of in-ear headphones or earplugs, which restrict air circulation in the ear.
• A tendency toward allergies or skin conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis) that weaken the canal skin.

Symptoms of swimmer's ear — how to recognise it

Swimmer's ear follows a fairly recognisable pattern. It usually starts mildly and makes itself felt more clearly with every hour.

Typical symptoms

• Itching in the ear — very often the first sign. The temptation to scratch is strong, but giving in only makes things worse.
• Ear pain — the hallmark symptom. Crucially, the pain worsens when you pull on the outer ear or press the tragus (the small cartilage bump at the entrance to the ear canal). This is very characteristic of outer ear infection.
• A blocked, full feeling in the ear — as if water or a "plug" is stuck inside.
• Reduced hearing on the affected side — caused by swelling and fluid in the canal.
• Discharge from the ear — clear or cloudy fluid sometimes appears.
• Redness and swelling at the entrance to the canal, and sometimes of the outer ear itself.
• Tenderness around the ear — it's uncomfortable to sleep on that side or even touch the ear while washing.

A simple test worth knowing

If you gently pull the ear upward and backward, or lightly press on the tragus — and the pain clearly intensifies — this strongly points to an outer ear infection, i.e. swimmer's ear. It's one of the simplest signals that distinguishes it from pain coming from deeper inside, from the middle ear.

Outer ear or middle ear? An important difference

This distinction isn't just trivia — it has real practical importance, because the two conditions behave differently and are treated differently.

Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear)

• Affects the ear canal — the passage in front of the eardrum.
• Pain worsens when the ear is touched, the outer ear is pulled, or the tragus is pressed.
• Often preceded by swimming, bathing, or ear cleaning.
• Itching, pain on touch, and a blocked sensation typically dominate.

Middle ear infection

• Affects the space behind the eardrum.
• Pain is usually deep and throbbing, and doesn't change much when the outer ear is touched.
• Very often accompanied or preceded by an upper respiratory infection (runny nose, cold) rather than swimming.
• More common in children and more often associated with a higher fever.

The distinction can be tricky, especially in children who can't accurately describe where and how it hurts. That's why, with severe pain, a fever, or any doubt — especially in young children — it's better not to guess and to consult a doctor.

How to prevent swimmer's ear

Here's the best news: swimmer's ear is largely preventable. A few simple habits, especially during the swimming season, make all the difference.

The most important step: dry your ears thoroughly

Moisture is the fuel for swimmer's ear, so after every swim make sure your ears are dry:

• Tilt your head to the side after getting out of the water so it drains naturally. You can gently tug on the outer ear to "straighten" the canal.
• Dry the outer ear and entrance to the canal with a towel — gently, without pushing fabric inside.
• Use a hair dryer on a cool or warm (not hot) setting, held at a safe distance (about 30 cm). This is an effective, safe way to evaporate residual moisture. Never use a hot setting close to the ear.

Acidifying and drying drops from the pharmacy

Over-the-counter ear drops with drying and acidifying action are available without a prescription — often based on acetic acid, boric acid, or isopropyl alcohol (sometimes in combination). They work simply: they help evaporate moisture and restore the mildly acidic environment in the canal that inhibits microbial growth.

They are typically used as a preventive measure — for example after swimming — in people who are prone to swimmer's ear. Important: do not use them if you suspect a perforated eardrum, if there is severe pain, or if there is discharge. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist, and always read the leaflet of the specific product.

Earplugs and other barriers

• Swimming earplugs — silicone or moulded types limit water entering the canal. A good option, especially for people with recurring swimmer's ear.
• A swimming cap gives extra ear protection, especially when worn over earplugs.
• Avoid diving in heavily contaminated water if you are prone to ear problems.

What NOT to do — just as important

Some popular habits not only fail to help but actively pave the way for swimmer's ear:

• Don't use cotton swabs to "clean" the ear canal. They pack wax deeper, irritate, and scratch the skin, destroying the natural barrier. Cotton swabs are for drying the outer ear at most.
• Don't scratch inside the ear with a fingernail or any object, even if it itches intensely.
• Don't try to remove all earwax. It serves a protective function — if there's a genuine build-up, a doctor can remove it safely, but "zero earwax" is not the goal.
• Don't use ear candles. Their effectiveness is unproven, and they can cause burns, candle-wax blockage, or damage to the eardrum.

Easing symptoms — what you can do at home

If swimmer's ear has already appeared and symptoms are mild, you can support yourself at home — bearing in mind that this addresses symptoms only, and with more severe discomfort a medical consultation is needed.

Over-the-counter pain relief

Ear pain can be genuinely unpleasant. OTC pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can help:

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) — pain-relieving and fever-reducing.
• Ibuprofen — also has anti-inflammatory action, which can be helpful when there's active inflammation.

Use them according to the leaflet and don't exceed the recommended dose. If you have chronic conditions, take other medications, or are treating a child, the right choice and dosage is best discussed with a pharmacist or doctor.

Home comfort measures

• A warm, dry compress held against the ear (a well-wrapped hot water bottle or warmed towel) can bring temporary relief.
• Keep the ear dry — while you have symptoms, skip swimming and take care that water doesn't get into the ear in the shower.
• Don't put anything in the ear — no swabs, no cotton wool, no "home remedy drops" without medical advice.

Important caveat: home measures ease symptoms but generally don't treat an established outer ear infection at its source. Targeted treatment is often needed (e.g. prescription ear drops), and crucially, careful cleaning of the canal by a doctor may be essential — something home remedies simply can't achieve. So if pain is severe or symptoms persist, don't put off seeing someone.

When to see a doctor

Mild irritation sometimes settles on its own once you keep the ear dry and stop aggravating the canal. But there are situations where a visit to a doctor — ideally an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist — is necessary and shouldn't be delayed:

• Severe ear pain that isn't improving or is getting worse despite pain relief.
• Fever alongside ear pain.
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the ear — this may indicate a more serious infection.
• Noticeable hearing loss or a completely blocked feeling that doesn't pass.
• Symptoms in a child — especially a young one who can't describe the pain. Ear pain in children is always worth getting checked.
• Diabetes, a weakened immune system, or other chronic conditions — ear infections can be more severe in these cases and require prompt attention.
• No improvement after a few days despite keeping the ear dry and managing symptoms.
• Suspicion of a foreign body in the ear or damage to the eardrum.
• Recurrent infections — if swimmer's ear returns season after season, it's worth finding the underlying cause with a specialist.

A doctor can safely clean the ear canal, examine the eardrum, and prescribe targeted treatment — often something that home remedies simply cannot achieve.

Frequently asked questions

Will swimmer's ear go away on its own?

Very mild irritation may settle if you keep the ear dry and stop aggravating the canal. However, a fully developed outer ear infection — with pain, swelling, and discharge — usually requires treatment. The longer you wait, the worse it can get, so with clear symptoms it's better to see a doctor.

How do I get water out of my ear quickly?

Tilt your head to the side and gently tug on the outer ear so the water drains out. Hopping on one foot with your head tilted can help, as can drying the ear with a hair dryer on a cool or warm setting at a safe distance. Don't push swabs or cotton wool into the ear — that's a common mistake that only irritates the canal further.

Can I swim while I have swimmer's ear?

While you have symptoms it's best to stay out of the water and keep the ear protected — in the shower too. Continued wetting maintains the moist environment that sustains the infection and can prolong recovery. Return to swimming only once symptoms have cleared, and if the problem recurs consider using earplugs.

Are OTC acidifying drops enough?

Over-the-counter drying and acidifying drops work best as prevention for people prone to swimmer's ear — used after swimming. In a fully developed infection, targeted treatment (e.g. prescription ear drops) and professional canal cleaning are often needed. Don't use these drops if you suspect a perforated eardrum, and always read the product leaflet.

Why shouldn't I clean my ears with cotton swabs?

Cotton swabs typically don't remove earwax — they push it deeper. In doing so they irritate and can scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal, destroying the natural protective barrier and making infection easier to take hold. In other words, they actively contribute to swimmer's ear. Use a swab only to dry the outer ear from the outside.

Summary

✅ Swimmer's ear is an outer ear infection — inflammation of the ear canal skin, most often caused by water left behind after swimming in a pool, lake, or sea.

✅ The telltale sign is pain that worsens when you pull on the outer ear or press the tragus — accompanied by itching, a blocked feeling, reduced hearing, and sometimes discharge.

✅ Outer ear infection is not the same as middle ear infection — middle ear pain is deeper and throbbing, more often linked to a cold, and needs a separate approach, especially in children.

✅ Prevention is simple — dry your ears thoroughly (tilt your head, use a cool hair dryer), consider OTC acidifying drops, and use swimming earplugs.

✅ OTC pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) and a warm, dry compress ease symptoms — but this is symptomatic relief, not a cure.

✅ Don't use cotton swabs or ear candles and don't scratch inside the ear — these are common mistakes that make things worse.

✅ See a doctor when pain is severe, you develop a fever or purulent discharge, hearing worsens, a child is affected, you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, or there's no improvement after a few days.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor, pharmacist, or ENT specialist. If symptoms are severe, persist, affect a child, or you have a chronic condition (such as diabetes or a weakened immune system), please seek medical advice. Before using any product, including ear drops and pain relievers, read the package leaflet carefully and follow the dosage and contraindication guidance it contains.

And a practical thought to close: a well-stocked summer first-aid kit means a more relaxed holiday — OTC drying ear drops, swimming earplugs, paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, plus something for sunburn or minor scrapes. You don't have to hunt for the best price on each item at the nearest pharmacy. With CheaperForDrug you drop your whole basket into the comparison tool and instantly see the total cost across 100+ pharmacies. Because real savings come from comparing the whole basket at once, not one product at a time. Have a great, healthy summer in the water — and may your evenings stay pain-free.