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Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. A middle ear infection (otitis media) occurs behind the eardrum. Swimmer's ear typically causes pain when the outer ear is pulled or touched, while middle ear infections more often cause deep, internal pressure or pain without that outer tenderness.

Swimmer's ear is most commonly caused by bacteria, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, that multiply when water remains trapped in the ear canal, breaking down the natural skin barrier. It can also result from using cotton swabs that scratch the canal lining, hearing aid use, or underlying skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

Common symptoms include ear canal itching, pain (especially when the outer ear is touched or pulled), redness and swelling of the ear canal, a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing, and a clear, yellow, or pus-like discharge. Severe cases may involve significant swelling that narrows the canal and makes hearing noticeably worse.

Treatment typically involves prescription antibiotic ear drops, often combined with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Commonly prescribed options include ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone (Ciprodex) or ofloxacin (Floxin Otic) drops. Keeping the ear dry during treatment and avoiding cotton swabs is essential for recovery. Most patients improve significantly within a few days of starting drops.

Mild early-stage swimmer's ear may be managed with over-the-counter acetic acid drops to restore the ear's natural acidity, but most cases benefit from prescription antibiotic or combination ear drops for reliable and faster recovery. Attempting to treat without a proper diagnosis risks missing complications such as spreading infection or a perforated eardrum.

Preventive steps include gently drying ears after swimming or bathing by tilting the head to let water drain naturally, using a towel to dry the outer ear, avoiding inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal, and considering over-the-counter acetic acid or isopropyl alcohol-acetic acid drops after water exposure if recommended by your physician. Wearing well-fitted ear plugs while swimming may also help.

Doctronic uses an AI-powered evaluation to gather information about your symptoms and health history. A licensed physician then reviews your case, makes a clinical determination, and, when appropriate, provides a personalized treatment plan that may include a prescription. The entire process is designed to be fast, thorough, and convenient.

Yes. Doctronic's care is delivered by fully licensed physicians, and all clinical decisions are doctor-reviewed and audited for quality. The platform is HIPAA-compliant, so your health information is kept private and secure. Doctronic is available to adults 18 and older in any U.S. state.