What is swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear (also known as otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear usually appear within a few days of swimming
and include:
• Itchiness inside the ear.
• Redness and swelling of the ear.
• Pain when the infected ear is tugged or when pressure is placed on the ear.
• Pus draining from the infected ear.
Although all age groups are affected by swimmer’s ear, it is more common in children and can be extremely painful.
To reduce the risk of swimmer’s ear:
✅ Keep your ears as dry as possible.
✅Use a bathing cap, ear plugs, or custom-fitted swim molds when swimming. DO dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering.
✅ Use a towel to dry your ears well.
✅ Tilt your head to hold each ear facing down to allow water to escape the
ear canal.
✅ Pull your earlobe in different directions while the ear is faced down to help
water drain out.
❌ DON’T put objects in the ear canal (including cotton-tip swabs, pencils, paperclips, or fingers).
❌ DON’T try to remove ear wax. Ear wax helps protect your ear canal from infection.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of swimmer’s ear, visit our website to make an appointment with one of our specialists. We’re located in East Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island.
East Providence: 401-435-5644
Warwick: 401-921-5800
www.entmedri.com