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Swimmer's ear - chronic

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy
Medical findings based on ear anatomy
Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Ear infection - outer ear - chronic; Otitis externa - chronic

Definition    Return to top

Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Chronic swimmer's ear occurs when the condition does not go away or comes back multiple times.

See also: Swimmer's ear - acute

Causes    Return to top

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is fairly common.

Swimming in polluted water is one way to get swimmer's ear. Moisture makes the ear more prone to infection from water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Other bacteria, or fungi (in rare cases) can also cause infection.

Other causes include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

During the examination, the health care provider may find:

Treatment    Return to top

The goal is to cure the infection, usually with ear drops containing antibiotics.

Other treatments include:

If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be placed in the ear to allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal.

In elderly people or those who have diabetes and persistent ear pain or drainage, malignant otitis externa is a possibility. Malignant otitis externa is treated with high-dose antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous).

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Chronic swimmer's ear usually responds to treatment. Treatment may be prolonged or repeated. If untreated, complications may develop.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

Prevention    Return to top

Dry the ear thoroughly after swimming. People who swim often should consider wearing earplugs.

Swimmer's ear from any cause should be treated completely. Treatment should not be stopped sooner than the doctor recommends.

Update Date: 10/15/2008

Updated by: Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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