Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear symptoms start out mild and include itching in the ear canal, redness in the area, fluid drainage and the urge to tug on the ear to clear accumulated fluid.

As the problem progresses, itching can intensify, leading to increased pain and redness, more fluid drainage, potential pus discharge, and a feeling that something is blocking or otherwise standing in the ear. This is typically caused by fluid, debris and swelling in the ear canal. Hearing may be affected at this stage, with most patients reporting that they hear muffled conversation.

The final stage produces severe pain that may extend beyond the ear to the neck, side of the head, or face; a complete blockage in the ear canal, cutting off hearing; swelling and redness in the outer ear, along with swollen lymph nodes in the nearby neck; and a high fever.

The consequences of not treating these conditions promptly are daunting. Temporary hearing loss is the first issue, as the increasing amounts of fluid muffle outside sounds. This will get better once the infection clears. However, if symptoms persist, it may mean the patient is suffering from a rare strain of bacteria, chronic skin allergy, reaction to any ear drops used to battle the infection, or a combination of fungal and bacterial infections.

In rare instances, a swimmer’s ear infection can spread into connective tissues of the skin, creating a deep tissue infection known as cellulitis. When this happens, it can create bone and cartilage damage (known as necrotizing otitis externa) that can affect the bones in the lower part of the skull and the cartilage in the outer ear. Those who have weak immune systems or diabetes are more susceptible, and it is particularly dangerous because the unchecked infection can invade nerves or the brain, potentially creating a life-threatening situation.