How to Identify Swimmer's Ear

When excess water becomes trapped in the ear canal, bacteria can invade and grow, resulting in the infection called swimmer's ear. If you suspect swimmer's ear, check for these symptoms and treat as necessary.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Do you feel a persistent itchiness or tickling coming from inside your ear? This is a telltale sign of swimmer's ear.
2. Look for a discharge from the ear that's watery and/or yellowish and foul-smelling. There may also be crust formation in the ear canal.
3. Do you feel any pain in your ear, especially associated with a movement of the head? This pain may start out as a mild soreness and/or tenderness and progress to a more severe pain in the advanced stages of the infection.
4. Is your hearing temporarily muffled? This is indicative of a mild infection. In the more advanced stages of swimmer's ear, pus buildup and inflammation can lead to hearing impairment.

Tips & Warnings

• Swimmer's ear usually clears up on its own within a few days. If, despite home treatment, symptoms persist, increase in severity, or progress into its advanced stages, we recommend that you contact your physician.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.