Many people think that this ear problem only occurs after swimming in the ocean or in a swimming pool. In fact, it is commonly known as "Swimmer's Ear" because it is more common in swimmers. But the truth is, this condition can occur even if you have never been in the water. It is an infection of your outer ear, the tube that runs from the ear canal to the eardrum. So today, let's talk about it in a clear and simple way.
What exactly is Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)?
Simply put, Swimmer's Ear is an infection of your external ear canal . This is the tube-like part that runs from the ear canal to the eardrum.
Here's something that many people get confused about. This isn't like the ear infection that your little one gets when they have a cold. It's in the middle ear, which is inside the eardrum. Doctors call it "middle ear infection," or Otitis Media . But Swimmer's Ear is something completely different, occurring outside the ear.
If you feel pain when you touch your ear, especially when you gently pull the earlobe upwards, it is likely a symptom of Swimmer's Ear. This is not usually the case with a middle ear infection.
Most often, this infection is caused by bacteria, but sometimes viruses or fungi can also cause it.
Why do we get Swimmer's Ear?
Normally, our ears can fight off these germs and keep them away. The main thing that helps us do this is earwax. Although many people think of earwax as something dirty, it is actually a natural shield that protects our ears. Earwax keeps the ear canal dry and prevents germs from growing.
But if this protective layer is damaged, germs can enter and cause an infection. Let's look at how such things can happen.
| Reason | How does that happen? |
|---|---|
| Using various things to clean the ear | When you put things like cotton buds, fingers, hairpins, pen tips, etc. in your ears, they can scratch the skin of the ear and remove the protective layer of earwax. This risk is also present for those who regularly use earbuds, earplugs, or hearing aids. |
| Water retention in the ear | Water can get trapped in your ear when you swim, bathe, or stay in a hot tub. This moisture can cause the earwax to dissolve, softening the skin in your ear, making it easier for germs to enter. Sweating and humid weather can also contribute to this. |
| Other reasons |
|
What are the symptoms of Swimmer's Ear?
Whether you get this condition after being in the water or for some other reason, the symptoms are the same. Let's take a look at what these symptoms are.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Itching inside the ear | An itchy sensation inside the ear may be one of the first signs of infection. |
| Ear pain | It may be mild at first, but then it can become unbearable . The pain increases when you shake your head or touch your ear. |
| Hearing loss | As the ear canal swells, sounds may sound muffled. The ear may feel heavy. |
| Fluid or pus draining from the ear | Yellow, possibly foul-smelling pus may come out of the ear. |
Why do you need to see a doctor?
If you have ear pain, see your doctor right away . Getting treatment early can help prevent the infection from getting worse.
When you go, the doctor will look inside your ear with an instrument called an otoscope. He may also gently clean the inside of your ear. This will help the medicine work better.
After that, you will probably be prescribed eardrops. These may contain antibiotics to fight infection, steroids to reduce swelling, etc. In some cases, you will also need to take oral antibiotics.
What are the complications if left untreated?
Often, the pain will subside and you will start to feel better within a couple of days of starting treatment. However, sometimes, the condition can become severe and cause other problems.
- Chronic Otitis Externa: If the infection does not clear up after 3 months, we call it a chronic condition. This can happen to people with bacteria, fungi, allergies, or skin conditions like eczema that are resistant to treatment.
- Spread of infection to other areas: In rare cases, the infection can spread deeper into the skin or into the bones and cartilage of the head. This is called malignant otitis externa . This is a medical emergency . Older people with diabetes, HIV infection, or people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. In such cases, strong antibiotics may need to be given intravenously (IV).
When to call a doctor immediately
If you have any symptoms of an ear infection, be sure to talk to a doctor. Especially if you have the following symptoms, as it could be a more serious condition, so seek medical advice immediately.
- If there is severe pain .
- If you feel dizzy.
- If you hear a ringing in the ears.
- If you have a skin rash on your scalp or near your ears, it could be a condition like Seborrheic Dermatitis or Herpes Zoster (shingles).
In any case like this, instead of trying to treat yourself, see your doctor as soon as possible. He or she will provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. It's not just something that happens to swimmers.
- Do not insert anything into your ear, such as cotton buds or hairpins, to clean it. This will do more harm than good.
- If you have ear pain, especially if it increases when you pull on the earlobe, it could be Swimmer's Ear.
- If you have ear pain, see a doctor without delay. Using the eardrops prescribed by your doctor exactly can help you recover quickly.
- If you experience severe pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or skin lesions near the ear, seek medical advice immediately.
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