Swimmer's ear

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications

Preparing for your appointment
Tests and diagnosis
Treatments and drugs
Prevention

Definition

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal. In most cases, bacteria cause this infection in the thin layer of skin lining the canal.

Your ears' protective features work best when they are dry. If your ear canals are exposed to excess moisture — for example, if you swim a lot — they're more likely to become infected. Swimmer's ear is also known as acute external otitis or otitis externa.

Swimmer's ear is usually easily treated. Prompt treatment of swimmer's ear can help prevent the development of more-serious complications and infections.

Symptoms