Swimmer’s Ear, also known as otitis externa, is a painful condition affecting the outer ear and ear canal, often caused by infection, inflammation, or irritation. A classic sign of swimmer’s ear is increased pain when pulling the outer ear or pushing the cartilage at the front of the ear. Other symptoms include itching, ear fullness or pressure, and decreased hearing. In severe cases, it can cause pain throughout the face and neck, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.

The condition typically occurs after water gets trapped in the ear, especially if the water contains bacteria or fungal organisms. This water can carry bacteria through the ear canal into the middle ear space, causing an ear infection, indicated by purulent drainage (white, green, or yellow pus) from the ear. Fortunately, this type of ear infection is easily treated with antibiotic eardrops.

Swimmer’s ear is common in children but can affect individuals of any age. The infection of the ear canal is usually caused by bacteria or fungi and is associated with frequent swimming. The prolonged exposure to water and summer humidity can make the skin of the ear canal swollen, increasing the risk of infection.

Additionally, the eustachian tube, which helps equalize air pressure on either side of the eardrum, can become blocked. This leads to a full, plugged feeling in the ear and may affect hearing. In cases where middle ear ventilation tubes are used, allowing water into the ear can cause infections in the middle ear.

For more detailed information, visit Ohio State Health & Discovery, McGovern Medical School, Stanford Otology and Neurotology, or Harvard Health for comprehensive overviews.