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Diseases and Disorders of the Ear

Swimmers Ear

Causes Of Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a bacterial infection of the outer ear, but mainly of the ear canal. The infection is caused from water being trapped in the ear canal and allowed to sit for a few days, causing bacteria to form. It typically occurs in swimmers, but will also occur from bathing or showering if the ears are not dried properly.

Symptoms Of Swimmer's Ear

The most common symptoms of swimmer’s ear are mild to moderate pain and an itchy ear. Other symptoms may include any of the following:   

  • Treatment Of Swimmer's Ear

    (all of the following suggestions assume you do not have a perforated eardrum)

     Treatment for swimmers ear will depend on how far it has progressed. If the infection is in its early stage and the ear has just started to itch, cleaning the ear canal with drying solutions and bacterial inhibitors will help.

    One of the best home remedies is a solution of 1 part boric acid (in powder form from your local pharmacy) to 30 parts ethyl alcohol (not methyl alcohol). Your pharmacy will also have ethyl alcohol. For a rough estimate, use 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid to 1 pint of ethyl alcohol, Mix the boric acid powder into the alcohol vigorously, then use an eyedropper to put 3 - 6 drops into the ear canal. Wipe off any excess.  When the solution dries, you may notice a white dry residue on the outside ear. Just use warm waterand a washcloth to wipe it off.

    If the infection has progressed with high fever and a just plain sick feeling with a fever, it's time to go to the doctor. As long as you don't have a perforated ear drum, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic ear drops and a 7-10 day regimen of antibiotic pills.

     

    Prevention Of Swimmer's Ear

    If you are around water a lot and don't want to wear ear plugs (they are not that effective anyway...water always seems to get into the ears), keep a bottle of the boric acid solution on hand and use it after being in the water.  In a bind, you could also use apple cider vinegar (or any other vinegar for that matter) as vinegar has a low Ph (high acid content) that bacteria do not like .

    If you have a hair dryer, use it after each dip in the water, then use the recommended solutions described above.