What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s Ear is inflammation or infection of the ear canal. Its medical name is Otitis Externa.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Inflammation or infection of the ear canal is sometimes called Swimmer’s Ear. Its medical name is Otitis Externa/External Otitis.

This is an inflammation or infection of the ear canal, often caused by exposure to water, swimming, diving or hot and humid conditions.

Symptoms may include:

  • Itching
  • Secretions
  • Tenderness and/or pain
  • Swelling of the ear canal with possible hearing loss
Healthy ear canals are lined by a thin layer of waxy film which helps to repel water and bacterial growth. Ear wax also helps to keep them clean.

These are your ears’ natural defences.

However, if this waxy lining gets broken down or scratched, then your defences will be compromised, and it is easier for bacteria or fungi to take hold.

If your natural defences get overwhelmed, then Swimmer’s Ear can develop.

What causes Swimmer’s Ear?

One of the most common causes of Swimmer’s Ear is repeated exposure to water, as this increases the risk of water entering and becoming trapped in the ear canal.

This trapped water erodes the protection of the waxy lining of your ear canal, and helps create the moist, warm environment beloved by bacteria.

Swimmers, surfers, and divers are obviously at greater risk, but so are holidaymakers and those in hot and humid climates. Even failing to dry your ears after a bath or shower can increase your chances of developing Swimmer’s Ear.

Swimming or playing in polluted water (typically open water like beaches, rivers and lakes), also increases your risk of developing a number of nasty illnesses, including Swimmer’s Ear.

Otitis Externa can also be caused by objects in the ear, such as hearing aids, earphones, cotton buds/Q-tips etc. This is because there is a chance that these objects might scratch the lining of the ear canal, leaving it inflamed and prone to infection.

Having objects like hearing aids or earphones in your ears for a long time can also help to create the moist, humid environment that bacteria and fungi thrive in.

What are the treatments for Swimmer’s Ear?

You can treat Swimmer’s Ear in a number of ways, depending on the severity of the case, and a medical professional can advise you on the most appropriate treatment.

At the first onset of symptoms, a self-care treatment like Otinova® Ear Spray is an excellent solution.

Otinova® has a unique and scientifically proven formula which is both antibacterial and antifungal, and provides relief to most users within 24 hours of use, while being free of antibiotics and steroids.

If symptoms persist or worsen after 1-3 days, then you should seek medical advice as you may have a more advanced infection that requires a prescribed medication to treat, such as antibiotics.

Read the Package Insert Leaflet for more information.

Disclaimer: please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

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