Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer’s Ear
What is it?
*Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis External)- infection or inflammation of the ear canal
-Ear Canal- passage leading from the external ear to the eardrum
-Often Develops- after water has gotten into the ears, sand or other debris that
gets into the ear canal
-Inflammation- cut or injury inside the ear from an object or cotton swab, earplugs,
shampoo or soap buildup, eczema, psoriasis, (chronic skin conditions)
Signs and Symptoms:
*Feeling of fullness in the ears, pain, itching, swollen ear canal,
*Severe Infection- increased pain, some hearing loss, discharge from the ear
-Pain- is worse when chewing, movement of the earlobe or ear
Prevention:
*Ears- keep dry, after swimming or shower shake head gently to remove water
from the ears, can also use a warm bathcloth on the ear
*Dry Ears- corner of a towel or bathcloth
*Get Rid of Dirt, Sand in the Ears- gentle stream of warm water from a bulb
syringe or shower into the ear, tip head for water drainage
*After Showering or Swimming- use 4 parts grain alcohol (95% ethanol) and 1part
vinegar mixed together, warm and let it run into the ear canal, then tilt your head
to let it drain; place 4 drops in each ear after water exposure;
DO NOT USE Rubbing Alcohol
-Nonprescription Drops- Swim-Ear, Star-Otic
What can I do?
*See your Physician- if an object is in the ear, pus or blood drainage from the ear,
*AVOID- using cotton swabs, bobbie pins, other objects in the ears, prolonged
use of earplugs, soaps and shampoos in the ear canal, cool or hot fluids, should
be warm or room temperature, plastic earplugs, sticking dropper into the ear,
heating pads for more than 30 minutes
*Ear Drop Insertion- Person needs to lie down with ear facing up,
always use warm drops