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 NamesEar infection - outer ear - chronic; Otitis externa - chronic
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsSwimmer'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:
During the examination, the health care provider may find:
The goal is to cure the infection, usually with ear drops containing antibiotics.
Other treatments include:
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).
Expectations (prognosis)Chronic swimmer's ear usually responds to treatment. Treatment may be prolonged or repeated. If untreated, complications may develop.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider if:
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.
yes it can get a swimmers ears
no, this wouldn't be smart because you need to get swimmers ear treated right away, use ear drops
Contaminated water
It is caused by water entering the ear canal. You should get it out after swimming.
Noah
yes it can get a swimmers ears
swimmers waer earplugs to keep from water getting inside their ears.
Yes, it can in some cases.
Symptoms of chronic otitis media include persistent ear pain, hearing loss, drainage from the ear, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
It is generally not recommended to swim with swimmer's ear, even with ear plugs. Swimming can worsen the condition and increase the risk of complications. It is best to avoid swimming until the infection has cleared up completely.
You can wear ear plugs, or everytime you get out of the water, air them out with your finger, or if you have a cap, pull it over your ears.
It can last up to 10 days. Baby oil can be poured into ear with the help of a dropper to heal.