Ear infections from swimming

Swimming is one of the most enjoyable and healthy activities you can do — but it can also put your ears at risk. Water that lingers in the ear canal after a swim creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to a painful ear infection. Whether you're a casual swimmer or spend hours in the pool, understanding the connection between swimming and ear infections can help you protect your hearing health.

Can you get an ear infection from swimming?

Yes, swimming is one of the most common triggers of outer ear infections. When water enters the ear canal and doesn't drain properly, it softens the delicate skin lining the canal and disrupts its natural protective barrier. This creates ideal conditions for bacteria or fungi to multiply, leading to infection.

It's worth noting that not every swimmer will develop an ear infection. Individual factors such as ear canal shape, skin condition and swimming habits all play a role. However, the risk increases significantly with frequent or prolonged water exposure, particularly in lakes, rivers or poorly maintained pools where bacterial counts tend to be higher.

What causes ear infections in swimmers?

Several factors can contribute to a swimming-related ear infection. While water exposure is the primary trigger, other elements can increase your vulnerability.

Water trapped in the ear canal

The most direct cause is water that remains in the ear canal after swimming. When moisture sits in the canal for an extended period, it softens the skin and breaks down its natural defences. The warm, humid environment that results is highly conducive to bacterial and fungal growth. People with narrow or curved ear canals are particularly prone to water retention and therefore at higher risk.

Pool chemicals and bacteria

Chlorine and other pool chemicals are designed to reduce bacteria in the water, but they can also irritate the sensitive skin inside the ear canal, making it more susceptible to infection. Natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and the sea carry their own risks, as they may contain higher concentrations of bacteria and microorganisms that can cause infection even after brief exposure.

Existing skin conditions or ear canal damage

People with eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions affecting the ear canal are more vulnerable to infection, as their skin barrier is already compromised. Similarly, any previous damage to the ear canal — from cotton swab use, scratching or prior infections — can make it easier for bacteria to take hold after water exposure.

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Symptoms of a swimming-related ear infection

Symptoms of a swimming-related ear infection typically develop within a day or two of water exposure and can range from mild to severe. The most common signs include:

Itching inside the ear canal
Redness or swelling of the outer ear
Pain or tenderness, especially when touching or pulling the ear
A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
Muffled or reduced hearing
Discharge or fluid draining from the ear
In more severe cases, fever or swollen lymph nodes

If you notice any of these symptoms after swimming, it's important to avoid further water exposure and seek advice from a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

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Sore ear ear or pain after swimming

Ear pain after swimming is one of the most common complaints among swimmers of all ages. If your ear hurts after swimming, it's usually a sign that water has become trapped in the ear canal, softening the skin lining and creating the conditions for irritation or infection. The pain can range from a mild ache or sensitivity to sharp, intense discomfort that makes it difficult to touch or move the ear.

In some cases, a sore ear after swimming may also result from pressure changes caused by diving or jumping into the water, which can affect the eardrum. Mild discomfort often resolves within a few hours once the ear dries out, but if pain persists beyond 24 hours, worsens over time or is accompanied by discharge or hearing loss, it's important to seek professional advice promptly.

In the meantime, avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, refrain from further water exposure and gently tilt your head to encourage drainage.

How to relieve ear pain after swimming

If your ear is sore after swimming, there are a few simple steps that may help relieve discomfort while you wait to see a specialist. Tilt your head to the affected side and gently tug the earlobe to encourage any trapped water to drain.

You can also use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting, held at a safe distance from the ear, to help evaporate residual moisture. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage mild to moderate ear pain. A warm compress held gently against the outer ear may also provide some relief.

Should you swim with an ear infection?

It's strongly advisable not to swim if you have an active ear infection. Continuing to expose an infected ear to water — whether in a pool, lake or the sea — can significantly worsen the infection and delay recovery. Water introduces additional bacteria, irritates already inflamed tissue and can interfere with any treatment you may have started, such as antibiotic ear drops.

Most hearing and medical professionals recommend staying out of the water until symptoms have fully resolved and you have been given the all-clear by a specialist. This typically takes around seven to ten days, depending on the severity of the infection.

If swimming is unavoidable — for example, for competitive athletes — custom-fit ear protection may offer some degree of barrier, but this should only be considered with professional guidance and should never replace proper treatment.

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Can you swim with an ear infection while on antibiotics?

Even if you have started a course of antibiotics or antibiotic ear drops, it is still advisable to avoid swimming until your treatment is complete and symptoms have fully resolved. Antibiotics work to eliminate the infection, but they do not immediately restore the ear canal's protective barrier — meaning further water exposure can still irritate the area, introduce new bacteria and potentially prolong your recovery.

Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance and wait for explicit confirmation that it is safe to return to the water before doing so.

How to prevent ear infections from swimming

The good news is that most swimming-related ear infections are preventable with a few simple habits:

Dry your ears thoroughly after every swim — tilt your head to each side to help water drain, then gently pat the outer ear dry with a clean towel
Use a low setting on a hairdryer held at a safe distance to help evaporate any remaining moisture inside the canal
Wear custom-fit or well-fitting ear plugs when swimming, particularly in open water or if you're prone to recurrent infections
Avoid inserting fingers, cotton swabs or any objects into the ear canal after swimming, as this can damage the skin and push water deeper
Choose well-maintained pools where water quality is regularly monitored and chemical levels are properly balanced
Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers after heavy rainfall, when bacterial levels in the water tend to spike
Speak to a hearing specialist if you experience recurrent infections — custom ear protection or preventive ear drops may be recommended

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is the partial or total inability to hear. It’s a common problem that can affect anyone. Also referred to as hearing impairment or deafness, hearing loss covers a wide range of categories and symptoms which can be caused by a variety of factors and circumstances.

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Why is it called swimmer's ear?

The term "swimmer's ear" is the common name for otitis externa — an infection of the outer ear canal. It earned this nickname because of how frequently it occurs in people who spend a lot of time in the water. Swimmers are particularly susceptible because repeated water exposure is one of the most effective ways to disrupt the ear canal's natural protective environment.

That said, you don't have to be a swimmer to develop it. Anyone whose ear canal is exposed to prolonged moisture — whether from bathing, humid environments or excessive sweating — can experience otitis externa. The name has simply stuck because swimming remains the most frequent trigger. To learn more about the condition, its diagnosis and treatment options, visit our dedicated swimmer's ear page.

When should you see a hearing specialist?

If you've been swimming recently and are experiencing ear pain, itching, muffled hearing or any discharge, don't wait for symptoms to worsen. At Amplifon, our hearing specialists can assess your ears, identify any infection or blockage, and recommend the right course of action for your situation.

Early attention to ear health makes a real difference. Book a complimentary hearing test at your nearest Amplifon clinic in Canada today.

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Ear infections from swimming