Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, the tube between the outside of the ear and the eardrum. It causes ear pain that gets worse when you pull on the ear. Prescription ear drops usually clear it within a week.

What Is It

Doctors call it otitis externa. Water left in the ear softens the skin of the canal, letting bacteria grow. It is common after swimming, but cotton swabs, earbuds, and scratching can also cause it. It is not the same as a middle ear infection behind the eardrum.

Symptoms

Ear pain, worse when you pull or press on the ear
Itching inside the ear canal
Redness and swelling of the ear canal
Clear, yellow, or cloudy drainage
Muffled hearing or a plugged feeling
Swollen glands near the ear

Not sure it’s swimmer’s ear? An ear infection usually follows a cold and does not hurt when you tug the ear. A plugged ear without pain may be earwax blockage.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider looks in the ear to confirm the diagnosis and may clean out drainage. Antibiotic ear drops treat most cases. A very swollen canal may need a small wick so the drops can reach the infection.

At home:

Use the ear drops exactly as prescribed
Keep the ear dry, and cover it with a cotton ball and petroleum jelly when showering
Do not swim for 7 to 10 days
Do not use cotton swabs or earbuds until it heals

Most swimmer’s ear improves within 2 to 3 days of drops and clears in 7 to 10 days.

When to Get Care for Swimmer’s Ear

Watch at Home

Mild itching after swimming, with no pain
Pain easing within a day
No drainage

Come to Urgent Care Today

Ear pain that is worse when you pull the ear
Drainage from the ear canal
A swollen ear canal or muffled hearing
Pain not improving after 2 days of drops
Swimmer’s ear with diabetes or a weak immune system

Go to the Emergency Department

Severe ear pain with fever and swelling spreading to the face or neck
Redness and swelling behind the ear that pushes it forward
Weakness or drooping on one side of the face
Severe dizziness or sudden hearing loss

FAQ

How do I know if I have swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear causes ear pain that gets worse when you pull or press on the outer ear. Itching, redness, and drainage from the ear canal are also common.

How long does swimmer’s ear last?

Swimmer’s ear usually improves within 2 to 3 days of prescription drops and clears in 7 to 10 days. Keep the ear dry until it heals.

Is swimmer’s ear the same as an ear infection?

No, swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal. A middle ear infection is behind the eardrum and usually follows a cold.

How do I prevent swimmer’s ear?

Prevent swimmer’s ear by drying your ears after swimming, tilting your head to drain water, and using a swim cap or earplugs. Avoid cotton swabs.

Can urgent care treat swimmer’s ear?

Yes, urgent care can treat swimmer’s ear. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the ear canal and clean out drainage when needed. No appointment or referral is needed.

Can I swim with swimmer’s ear?

You should not swim with swimmer’s ear. Wait 7 to 10 days, or until it has fully healed, before swimming again.

Last reviewed October 2026