Doctor on Swimming and Ear Infections: Why They're Linked and How to Protect Yourself

An ear, nose, and throat specialist is explaining the common causes and symptoms of external ear infections, often exacerbated by summer activities like swimming.

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One of the most common causes of this summer earache is external ear and subcutaneous tissue inflammation, for which prolonged moisture and warm climate are the main, often decisive, factors for its spread.

Dr. Vilma Beleškienė notes that prolonged moisture and warm climates are primary factors contributing to these infections. She clarifies that while some individuals can swim without issue, others are more susceptible due to factors like skin barrier health and immune status. Those prone to recurrent infections often take precautions.

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It is difficult to answer why some people develop an infection while swimming in the same body of water, and others do not. It depends on many factors, such as a healthy skin barrier, immune status, and post-swim care.

Beleškienė distinguishes external ear infections from middle ear infections. External infections typically lack fever and present with ear pain, swelling, discharge, and reduced hearing, especially when the ear canal is touched. Middle ear infections, however, often involve fever and general weakness.

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External ear infections are very common, causing many inconveniences in life and tending to recur. It is important to catch and treat the disease quickly so that it does not become chronic.

For immediate relief, she suggests pain relievers and, if available, ear drops or ointments. She also advises gentle drying of the ear canal after swimming. While some sources advise against cotton swabs, Beleškienė suggests they can be used gently for drying. She stresses that damaged ear canal skin, skin conditions, allergies, and stress increase the risk of infection.

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External ear infections are usually not accompanied by fever. It is more characterized by aching ear pain, which intensifies when touching the auricle, swelling of the ear canal, discharge, congestion, and weakened hearing.