Skip to Content

Swimmer's ear - chronic

Definition

Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Chronic swimmer's ear occurs when the condition does not go away or comes back multiple times.

See also: Swimmer's ear - acute

Alternative Names

Ear infection - outer ear - chronic; Otitis externa - chronic

Causes

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is fairly common.

Swimming in polluted water is one way to get swimmer's ear. Moisture makes the ear more prone to infection from water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Other bacteria, or fungi (in rare cases) can also cause infection.

Other causes include:

  • Disease of the bone (malignant otitis externa)
  • Having an object stuck in the ear
  • Inadequate treatment
  • Scratching the ear

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

During the examination, the health care provider may find:

  • The ear and ear canal look red and swollen
  • The ear canal may have scaly shedding of skin
  • Touching or moving the outer ear increases the pain
  • It may be difficult for the health care provider to see the eardrum with an instrument called an otoscope
  • The eardrum may look red
  • The outermost part of the ear (the tragus) may be infected, and look red and swollen

Treatment

The goal is to cure the infection, usually with ear drops containing antibiotics.

Other treatments include:

  • Corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help relieve pain
  • Vinegar (acetic acid) drops

If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be placed in the ear to allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal.

In elderly people or those who have diabetes and persistent ear pain or drainage, malignant otitis externa is a possibility. Malignant otitis externa is treated with high-dose antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous).

Outlook (Prognosis)

Chronic swimmer's ear usually responds to treatment. Treatment may be prolonged or repeated. If untreated, complications may develop.

Possible Complications

  • Infection of the surrounding skin
  • Malignant otitis externa, which can cause bone infection, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms of chronic swimmer's ear
  • Acute swimmer's ear does not respond to treatment

Prevention

Dry the ear thoroughly after swimming. People who swim often should consider wearing earplugs.

Swimmer's ear from any cause should be treated completely. Treatment should not be stopped sooner than the doctor recommends.

Review Date: 10/15/2008
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request