Swimming is a popular activity among both children and adults. While it offers many health benefits, some risks come with swimming, such as water getting trapped in the ears. Although it seems to be a minor issue, water in the ear can lead to serious infections.
Health risks of water entering the ears while swimming
When swimming, there is a high chance that water will enter your ears. If not handled properly, trapped water can lead to ear infections and other health issues. Water entering the ears can cause the following issues:
Swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear is a common issue among swimmers and divers. Also known as otitis externa, it is an infection of the outer ear canal, which connects the eardrum to the outer ear. This infection is often caused by water remaining in the ear, creating a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth.
Early symptoms of swimmer's ear are typically mild, but they can worsen if the infection is not properly treated. These symptoms include:
- Itching in the ear canal
- Redness inside the ear
- Discomfort, especially when pulling the outer ear or pressing on the small bump in front of the ear (tragus)
- Clear, odorless fluid discharge
As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as:
- Fever
- Severe pain that radiates to the face, neck, or side of the head
- Complete blockage of the ear canal
- Redness or swelling of the outer ear
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Otomycosis
Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the ear that is common among frequent swimmers. It also affects people who live in tropical areas, have diabetes, or suffer from certain medical and skin conditions. Otomycosis usually affects one ear, but it can occur in both.
Symptoms of otomycosis include:
- Pain
- Itching
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discharge from the ear
- Hearing problems
Treating ear pain caused by water entry
Treatment for ear pain caused by water entry depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Here are some ways to manage the pain:
- Remove water from the ear
- Keep the ear dry while swimming
- Take antifungal or antibiotic medications (as advised by a doctor)
- Use antibiotic ear drops (as advised by a doctor)
- Use steroid ear drops (as advised by a doctor)
- Apply a warm compress to the ear
How to remove water from the ears after swimming
If water gets trapped in your ear while swimming, it is important to remove it promptly to reduce the risk of infection. Water usually drains on its own, but if you’re having trouble, try these methods:
- Dry the outer ear with a towel or soft cloth. Do not insert the cloth into the ear canal, as this could push the water further in
- Tilt your head to one side to help the water flow out. Gently pull the outer ear to straighten the ear canal, making it easier for the water to drain
- Use a hairdryer aimed at the ear to help dry out the water
Trapped water in the ear can lead to serious infections. If you develop an ear infection, consult a doctor. You can also make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Axtell, B. (2023). How to Get Water Out of Your Ears. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/get-water-out-of-ear
Hobbs, H. (2024). How to Get Water Out of Your Ear. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-water-out-of-your-ear
Mayo Clinic. Swimmer's ear. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351682
Bandoim, L. (2024). Otomycosis: What You Need to Know. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/otomycosis#
