Swimmers Ear (Otitis Externa)

• Itching
• Ear Fullness
• Pain with Ear Movement and to Touch

Acute bacterial infection is the most common cause of swimmers ear. It can occur in all age groups and is most common in Summertime. Swimming, trauma from over cleaning, and use of devices that occlude the ear canal such as headphones or hearing aides are risk factors for developing otitis externa. The most common bacterial causes are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. For mild to moderate illness topical ear drops are the mainstay of treatment. For severe illness, the patient may require an ear wick which can be placed in office to help the ear drops enter the swollen canal. For pain management Tylenol or Motrin may be needed.