Swimmer’s Ear vs Ear Infection

A swollen ear canal, medically known as otitis externa, can stem from various causes, including water exposure, causing swimmer’s ear or an ear infection. The good news is that with the right approach, you can find relief and get back to hearing clearly. But how do you know which one you’re dealing with?

Here’s the difference between swimmer’s ear vs an ear infection:

If you’re suffering from ear pain, Dr. Michael Kaplan and Tiffany Bell, DMS, PA-C at Kaplan Sinus Relief, can determine the underlying cause and provide expert treatment. Schedule an appointment today by calling (713) 766-1818 or contact us online.

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection or inflammation of the ear canal — the narrow passage that runs from your outer ear to your eardrum. Think of it like a tunnel that’s normally wide enough for air and sound to pass through easily, but when inflamed, the walls become swollen and irritated. The ear canal is naturally quite small, only about an inch long and roughly the width of a pencil, so even minor swelling can create noticeable symptoms.

This condition got its common name because it often occurs after water exposure from swimming, though it can stem from various causes including:

• Exposure to water (like from swimming or showering)
• Bacterial or fungal infections in the ear canal
• Allergic reactions to hair products or earrings
• Aggressive ear cleaning with cotton swabs
• Excessive earwax buildup
• Skin conditions like eczema affecting the ear canal

Moisture is often the culprit behind swimmer’s ear, as bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, wet environments.

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection, medically known as otitis media, occurs in the middle ear — the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Unlike swimmer’s ear, which affects the outer ear canal, middle ear infections develop when the eustachian tube (the passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat) becomes blocked or swollen.

Middle ear infections are particularly common in children but can affect adults as well. They typically develop as a complication of a cold, flu, or allergies when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, creating an ideal environment for bacteria or viruses to grow.

Common causes of middle ear infections include:

• Upper respiratory infections (colds or flu)
• Allergies that cause congestion
• Sinus infections
• Eustachian tube dysfunction
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Enlarged adenoids (especially in children)

How can you tell the difference between an ear infection and swimmer’s ear?

While both conditions cause ear discomfort, they have distinct characteristics that can help you identify which one you’re dealing with:

Treatment approaches for swimmer’s ear

If you’re dealing with swimmer’s ear, several strategies can help provide relief:

Keep the ear dry

Moisture is often the culprit behind swimmer’s ear, so keeping your ear completely dry is essential for healing. After showering, gently tilt your head to each side to help water drain out, and pat the outer ear dry with a clean towel. Avoid swimming until the infection clears, and if you must wash your hair, consider using earplugs or cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly to create a waterproof barrier. How to bring down swelling in the ear canal starts with eliminating the moisture that bacteria and fungi thrive in.

Apply warm compresses

Heat therapy can work wonders for reducing inflammation and providing comfort. Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and hold it against the affected ear for 10–15 minutes. The gentle heat increases blood circulation to the area, which helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. This method is particularly effective for ear pain relief and can be repeated several times throughout the day as needed.

Use over-the-counter pain relief

Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen are particularly helpful because they address both pain and swelling simultaneously. Acetaminophen can also provide comfort, though it doesn’t reduce inflammation. These medications are especially beneficial when dealing with swollen ear canal and jaw pain, as ear issues often cause discomfort that radiates to surrounding areas. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions.

Continue reading: Can sinuses cause the jaw to hurt?

Try ear drops

Over-the-counter ear drops designed for swimmer’s ear can help reduce inflammation and fight infection. Look for drops containing ingredients like acetic acid or alcohol, which create an environment hostile to bacteria and fungi. Always read the instructions carefully, and never use ear drops if you suspect a perforated eardrum. Tilt your head to the side after applying drops to allow them to penetrate deeply into the canal.

Avoid cotton swabs or fingers

Resist the natural urge to clean or scratch inside your ear, as this can push debris deeper, scratch the delicate skin, and worsen inflammation. Cotton swabs can also leave behind fibers that become breeding grounds for bacteria. Instead, clean only the outer part of your ear with a damp washcloth. Remember that earwax serves a protective function, and your ears are generally self-cleaning when left alone.

How to treat an ear infection

Middle ear infections often require a different approach:

Monitor and manage symptoms

Many ear infections, particularly those caused by viruses, resolve on their own within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort while your body fights the infection.

Sleep with the affected ear elevated

How do you get rid of fluid behind your eardrum? Gravity can be your ally in reducing swelling and promoting drainage. Use an extra pillow or two to keep your head elevated while sleeping, positioning yourself so the affected ear is facing upward. This helps prevent fluid buildup and reduces pressure that can worsen swelling. Many people with eustachian tube dysfunction find this position particularly helpful for overnight relief.

Consider a humidifier

Dry air can irritate already inflamed ear canals and slow the healing process. Adding moisture to your environment with a humidifier can help keep the tissues in your ear canal from drying out further. This is particularly helpful during the winter months when heating systems can make indoor air very dry. Maintaining proper humidity can help with sinus-related ear problems as well, since the ear, nose, and throat are all connected.

See an ENT specialist

When home remedies aren’t enough, an ear, nose, and throat specialist can provide targeted treatments that address the root cause of your swelling. ENT disorders often require professional diagnosis and treatment, as what appears to be a simple swollen ear canal might actually be related to other conditions. Advanced treatments like eustachian tube balloon dilation can help with chronic ear problems, and an ENT can determine if prescription medications, professional ear cleaning, or other interventions are necessary for your specific situation.

Can a swollen ear canal heal itself?

In some mild cases, a swollen ear canal can indeed heal on its own, especially if the cause is minor irritation from water exposure or gentle trauma. However, the reality is that many swollen ear canals require some form of treatment to heal properly. 

If the swelling is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, it typically won’t resolve without appropriate medication. Similarly, if there’s an underlying condition like severe earwax impaction or an allergic reaction, simply waiting it out may lead to prolonged discomfort or even complications.

The key is recognizing when to seek help. What might seem like a minor issue can sometimes develop into a more serious condition if left untreated, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your hearing health.

When to go to the ENT for swimmer’s ear or ear infections

The following warning signs indicate it’s time to seek professional medical care:

• Symptoms persist for more than 3-5 days without improvement, or if they’re getting worse despite your best efforts
• Severe pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
• Thick or bloody discharge from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss or significant changes in hearing
• Dizziness or balance problems accompanying your ear symptoms
• Fever along with ear canal swelling
• Swelling extending to the outer ear or face, which could signal a spreading infection requiring immediate medical attention
• Recurring ear canal problems
• Underlying health conditions such as diabetes, a compromised immune system, or a history of ear problems

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s a good idea to see an ENT sooner rather than later. Ignoring a swollen ear canal can make the pain worse, lead to infections spreading, and even affect your hearing or balance.

Take the next step toward ear pain relief with Kaplan Sinus Relief

Don’t spend another moment questioning whether you’re dealing with swimmer’s ear vs. ear infection when expert help is just a phone call away. The discomfort, muffled hearing, and persistent pain you’re experiencing don’t have to become your new normal. With the right professional care, most ear canal issues can be resolved quickly and effectively.

Dr. Michael Kaplan and Tiffany Bell at Kaplan Sinus Relief understand how frustrating ear problems can be, and they’re committed to providing personalized treatment that addresses the root cause of your symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with a simple case of swimmer’s ear or a more complex condition requiring advanced intervention, our experienced team has the knowledge and tools to help you find lasting relief.

Your hearing health is too important to leave to chance. Call us at (713) 766-1818 or contact us online today — your ears will thank you for taking this important step toward better health.

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• How to Relieve a Swollen Ear Canal