Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an ear canal infection. Your ear canal is the pathway between your outer ear and your middle ear. Swimmer’s ear can be a bacterial infection or fungal infection.

We call it “swimmer’s ear” because avid swimmers commonly experience it. But anyone can get it — especially during the warmer months when many people spend more time in the water.

Left untreated, swimmer’s ear may muffle your hearing. In some cases, it can even cause temporary hearing loss. Most of the time, treatment solves any infection-related hearing issues. Healthcare providers treat swimmer’s ear with ear drops.

How common is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear is common. About 10% of people in the U.S. will have it at some point. Swimmer’s ear can affect anyone. But kids between the ages of 7 and 14 are most likely to get it.