{"id":470,"date":"2021-04-23T09:06:05","date_gmt":"2021-04-23T16:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nesilv.fm1.dev\/ent\/swimmers-ear\/"},"modified":"2021-07-13T14:57:48","modified_gmt":"2021-07-13T21:57:48","slug":"swimmers-ear","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/ent\/swimmers-ear\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimmer&#8217;s Ear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Affecting the outer ear,&nbsp;<strong>swimmer\u2019s ear<\/strong>&nbsp;is a painful condition resulting from inflammation, irritation, or infection. These symptoms often occur after water gets trapped in your ear, with subsequent spread of bacteria or fungal organisms. Because this condition commonly affects swimmers, it is known as swimmer\u2019s ear. Swimmer\u2019s ear (also called acute otitis externa) often affects children and teenagers, but can also affect those with eczema (a condition that causes the skin to itch), or excess earwax. Your doctor will prescribe treatment to reduce your pain and to treat the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/iStock-1167733434-1280x853.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/iStock-1167733434-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/iStock-1167733434-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/iStock-1167733434-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/iStock-1167733434-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>What causes swimmer\u2019s ear?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A common source of the infection is increased moisture trapped in the ear canal, from baths, showers, swimming, or moist environments. When water is trapped in the ear canal, bacteria that normally inhabit the skin and ear canal multiply, causing infection of the ear canal. Swimmer\u2019s ear needs to be treated to reduce pain and eliminate any effect it may have on your hearing, as well as to prevent the spread of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Other factors that may contribute to swimmer\u2019s ear include:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Contact with excessive bacteria that may be present in hot tubs or polluted water<\/li><li>Excessive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or anything else<\/li><li>Contact with certain chemicals such as hair spray or hair dye (Avoid this by placing cotton balls in your ears when using these products)<\/li><li>Damage to the skin of the ear canal following water irrigation to remove wax<\/li><li>A cut in the skin of the ear canal<\/li><li>Other skin conditions affecting the ear canal, such as eczema or seborrhea<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>What are the signs and symptoms?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common symptoms of swimmer\u2019s ear are itching inside the ear and pain that gets worse when you tug on the auricle (outer ear). Other signs and symptoms may include any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A sensation that the ear is blocked or full<\/li><li>Drainage<\/li><li>Fever<\/li><li>Decreased hearing<\/li><li>Intense pain that may spread to the neck, face, or side of the head<\/li><li>Swollen lymph nodes around the ear or in the upper neck. Redness and swelling of the skin around the ear<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>If left untreated, complications resulting from swimmer\u2019s ear may include:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Depositphotos_1957465_L.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-472\" title=\"otoscope\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/audiologist\/hearing-loss-testing\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"219\">Hearing loss<\/a>. <\/strong>When the infection clears up, hearing usually returns to normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/ent\/ear-infection\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"213\">Recurring ear infections&nbsp;(chronic otitis externa).<\/a><\/strong> Without treatment, infection can continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bone and cartilage damage (malignant otitis externa)<\/strong>. Ear infections when not treated can spread to the base of your skull, brain, or cranial nerves. Diabetics and older adults are at higher risk for such dangerous complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To evaluate you for swimmer\u2019s ear, your doctor will look for redness and swelling in your ear canal. Your doctor also may take a sample of any abnormal fluid or discharge in your ear to test for the presence of bacteria or fungus (ear culture) if you have recurrent or severe infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>How is swimmer\u2019s ear treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment for the early stages of swimmer\u2019s ear includes careful cleaning of the ear canal and use of eardrops that inhibit bacterial or fungal growth and reduce inflammation. Mildly acidic solutions containing boric or acetic acid are effective for early infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How should ear drops be applied?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Drops are more easily administered if done by someone other than the patient.<\/li><li>The patient should lie down with the affected ear facing upwards.<\/li><li>Drops should be placed in the ear until the ear is full.<\/li><li>After drops are administered, the patient should remain lying down for a few minutes so the drops can be absorbed.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do not have a perforated eardrum (an eardrum with a hole in it) or a tympanostomy tube in your eardrum, you can make your own eardrops using rubbing alcohol or a mixture of half alcohol and half vinegar. These eardrops will evaporate excess water and keep your ears dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before using any drops in the ear, it is important to be sure you do not have a perforated eardrum. Check with your otolaryngologist if you have ever had a perforated, punctured, or injured eardrum, or if you have had ear surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be applied directly to the ear. If the ear canal is swollen shut, a sponge or wick may be placed in the canal so the antibiotic drops will enter the swollen canal more effectively. Pain medication may also be prescribed. If you have tubes in your eardrum, a non oto-toxic (do not affect your hearing) topical treatment should be used. Topical antibiotics are effective for infection limited to the ear canal. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed if the infection goes beyond the skin of the ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow-up appointments are very important to monitor improvement or worsening, to clean the ear again, and to replace the ear wick as needed. Your otolaryngologist has specialized equipment and expertise to effectively clean the ear canal and treat swimmer\u2019s ear. With proper treatment, most infections should clear up in 7-10 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why do ears itch?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An itchy ear may be caused by a fungus or allergy, but more often from chronic dermatitis (skin inflammation) of the ear canal.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/allergist\/allergy-treatments\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"246\">Otolaryngologists also treat allergies<\/a>, and they can often prescribe an eardrop, cream, or ointment to treat the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tips for prevention<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A dry ear is unlikely to become infected, so it is important to keep the ears free of moisture during swimming or bathing.<\/li><li>Use ear plugs when swimming<\/li><li>Use a dry towel or hair dryer to dry your ears<\/li><li>Have your ears cleaned periodically by an otolaryngologist if you have itchy, flaky or scaly ears, or extensive earwax<\/li><li>Don\u2019t use cotton swabs to remove ear wax. They may pack ear wax and dirt deeper into the ear canal, remove the layer of earwax that protects your ear, and irritate the thin skin of the ear canal. This creates an ideal environment for infection.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cInformation from the&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.entnet.org\/\/\" target=\"_blank\">American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><p class=\"site-cta\">Call <span class=\"company-name \">Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+17027357668\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(702) 735-7668<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment. <div class=\"nvd-cutout-icon-wrapper\"><span class=\"cut-out\"><svg class=\"logo-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" viewbox=\"0 0 121 121\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n  <path d=\"M60.0224 5.0457e-05C37.1446 -0.0295484 16.2448 12.9653 6.15073 33.4959C-3.94338 54.0265 -1.47144 78.5124 12.5224 96.6112L34.1336 96.6112C44.3342 96.4594 52.5236 88.1463 52.5224 77.9445L52.5224 71.6667C49.1495 74.5534 44.8509 76.1309 40.4113 76.1112C32.8184 76.0795 25.9871 71.4913 23.0857 64.4745C20.1843 57.4577 21.7803 49.3849 27.1335 44L28.1336 43.0556C27.4181 42.5614 26.7487 42.0036 26.1336 41.3889C21.4572 36.2934 21.543 28.4418 26.3295 23.4497C31.1161 18.4576 38.9572 18.042 44.2447 22.5C45.371 20.0063 46.9537 17.7452 48.9113 15.8334C53.2872 11.457 59.2225 8.99837 65.4113 8.99837C71.6001 8.99837 77.5354 11.457 81.9113 15.8334C88.5853 22.5067 90.582 32.5434 86.9701 41.2629C83.3583 49.9824 74.8493 55.6674 65.4113 55.6667C63.3457 55.6701 61.2895 55.3897 59.3002 54.8334L59.3002 77.9445C59.8425 87.9037 68.0762 95.7013 78.0502 95.7013C88.0242 95.7013 96.2579 87.9037 96.8002 77.9445C97.1195 73.0262 94.6768 68.3386 90.4628 65.7826C86.2487 63.2267 80.9628 63.2267 76.7488 65.7826C72.5347 68.3386 70.092 73.0262 70.4113 77.9445C70.4113 82.1787 73.8438 85.6112 78.078 85.6112C82.3122 85.6112 85.7447 82.1787 85.7447 77.9445C85.7154 76.7602 84.7623 75.8071 83.578 75.7778C82.4031 75.808 81.4665 76.7692 81.4669 77.9445C81.4669 79.8161 79.9496 81.3334 78.078 81.3334C77.1696 81.3483 76.2933 80.9978 75.6457 80.3607C74.9981 79.7235 74.6334 78.853 74.6336 77.9445C74.6336 73.0046 78.6381 69 83.578 69C88.5179 69 92.5224 73.0046 92.5224 77.9445C92.0485 85.5896 85.71 91.5474 78.0502 91.5474C70.3904 91.5474 64.0519 85.5896 63.578 77.9445C63.1878 70.5376 66.9174 63.52 73.2748 59.6993C79.6322 55.8786 87.5793 55.8786 93.9367 59.6993C100.294 63.52 104.024 70.5376 103.634 77.9445C103.625 89.4792 95.8898 99.5781 84.7558 102.592C73.6219 105.606 61.849 100.788 56.0224 90.8334L55.9113 90.6667C55.9113 90.7223 55.8558 90.7778 55.8002 90.8334C51.3707 98.3853 43.3835 103.144 34.6335 103.444L18.6891 103.444C38.2261 122.055 67.7826 125.334 90.9243 111.46C114.066 97.5862 125.1 69.9712 117.891 43.97C110.683 17.9687 87.0045 -0.0224246 60.0224 5.0457e-05\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M3.45297 20.5C5.69579 22.7351 8.73107 23.9931 11.8974 24C16.7358 23.9896 21.0945 21.0745 22.952 16.6069C24.8095 12.1392 23.8022 6.99317 20.3974 3.55556L20.3974 3.55556C18.1536 1.2813 15.0922 0.000728379 11.8974 0C7.07087 0.0634513 2.74747 2.99972 0.909001 7.46284C-0.929469 11.926 0.0714571 17.0555 3.45297 20.5\" transform=\"translate(28.513916 45.277832)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M10.7222 10.7222C11.8887 9.53596 12.5464 7.94146 12.5556 6.27778C12.5524 4.61291 11.8937 3.01626 10.7222 1.83333C9.53596 0.666853 7.94146 0.00912196 6.27778 0C2.81066 0 0 2.81066 0 6.27778C0 9.7449 2.81066 12.5556 6.27778 12.5556C7.94146 12.5464 9.53596 11.8887 10.7222 10.7222\" transform=\"translate(29.133545 25.888916)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481C10.4138 33.8435 19.171 34.7148 25.7445 30.3285C32.3181 25.9423 34.8751 17.5216 31.8505 10.2207C28.8259 2.91987 21.0629 -1.2254 13.3134 0.322223C5.5638 1.86984 -0.0115332 8.67882 1.79156e-05 16.5814C0.00641242 20.9561 1.74408 25.1505 4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481\" transform=\"translate(48.855713 15.751953)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n<\/svg>\r\n<\/span><\/div><\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Affecting the outer ear,&nbsp;swimmer\u2019s ear&nbsp;is a painful condition resulting from inflammation, irritation, or infection. These symptoms often occur after water gets trapped in your ear, with subsequent spread of bacteria or fungal organisms. Because this condition commonly affects swimmers, it is known as swimmer\u2019s ear. Swimmer\u2019s ear (also called acute otitis externa) often affects children&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":212,"menu_order":29,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/470"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=470"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/470\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}