What You Should Know Swimmer's Ear

Despite its name, swimmer's ear isn't exclusive to swimmers. Though swimmers tend to suffer from this affliction, the term simply describes an infection usually caused by water in your ear. Therefore, whether you swim regularly or not, you want to be able to recognize the signs of it so you can receive prompt treatment to prevent any issues with your hearing.

Overview

This particular infection occurs in the outer ear canal - the portion of your ear that connects your eardrum to the outside of your head. Generally, children experience this infection more often than adults.

The infection typically stems from water that's introduced into your ear, whether from a swimming pool, a hot tub, or another source. When the water remains in this part of your ear, it creates an ideal breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Although bacteria are usually the cause of swimmer's ear, viruses and fungi may also lead to infection.

Besides water in your ear, you may also develop swimmer's ear if you have an abrasion or cut in your ear canal, which may stem from any of the following:

• Cotton swab
• Earbud
• Hearing aid
• Finger

A cut in the ear canal from a foreign object also presents a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.

Symptoms

If you have swimmer's ear, you may notice pain in your ear. You might also experience pain when you tug on the outside of your ear or when you place pressure on the tragus, the portion of your ear that protrudes from the side of your head and is in front of your ear canal.

Itchiness inside of your ear is another sign that you have swimmer's ear. You might even have drainage from your ear, either clear fluid or pus. Additionally, the inside of your ear may become red and swollen. Swimmer's ear can even affect your hearing because, as your ear canal swells, noises may sound muffled. Sometimes, your ear may feel full or like you have blockage in it.

In more serious cases, you might develop a fever. Additionally, the pain may become severe and even radiate to the side of your head as well as your face and neck. Complete blockage of your ear canal may occur. The lymph nodes in your neck can swell, too.

Complications

Generally, if you receive prompt treatment for swimmer's ear, you won't experience any lasting complications. However, if you don't receive treatment, the symptoms may become chronic, possibly lasting for months or longer. You can experience temporary hearing loss, but this issue usually subsides after treatment.

In addition, a deep tissue, brain, or nerve infection could occur if the infection spreads, but this complication is rare.

Diagnosis

Fortunately, the diagnostic process is relatively simple. Your doctor can usually diagnose swimmer's ear after they ask you questions about your symptoms. Your physician will also examine your ear with an otoscope, a lighted instrument that allows them to better examine the inside of your ear. During this part of the exam, your physician will look for swelling and redness inside of your ear.

In addition, your practitioner may look at your eardrum to ensure you don't have a tear or any damage to it. Sometimes, your doctor will need to use a special tool to remove any blockage to gain a better view of your eardrum.

Treatment

Once your doctor determines you have swimmer's ear, they will prescribe ear drops to treat the infection. The ear drops vary based on the severity of your infection and may include a combination of any of the following:

• Steroid
• Antibiotic
• Antifungal
• Acid solution

Your practitioner will also recommend techniques you may use at home to reduce the severity of your symptoms. You'll also receive education about how to prevent swimmer's ear in the future.

Swimmer's ear is an infection that you don't want to ignore. Fortunately, the diagnostic process and treatment are relatively simple, and in most cases, you'll heal without any problems. Contact Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A . , serving Wilmington, NC and the nearby region, for an appointment today if you suspect you have swimmer's ear.