Is It Safe to Swim with Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear usually happens unexpectedly, sometimes as a minor irritation that someone can easily ignore after a day in the pool or lake. But if it persists, it eventually leads to pressure and discomfort, and then the question becomes whether one can return to the water. 

Is it safe? Will swimming worsen it? These are common concerns. Swimmer’s ear might sound like something only children get, but it can affect anyone. When it does, knowing how to care for it and when to pause water time matters more than ever.

What Swimmer’s Ear Actually Is

Swimmer’s ear is an infection that occurs in the outer ear canal. When water remains trapped in the ear after swimming, bathing, or just splashing in the ear during a shower, it can get trapped. This trapped moisture in the ear causes bacteria or fungi to grow, eventually leading to swelling, pain, discharge, or itching. 

The condition is called swimmer's ear, and can be caused by everything from pool water to lakes or hot tubs. A hearing health professional can diagnose it and recommend treatment, such as ear drops for clearing the infection.

Swimming With an Active Infection Can Be Risky

Going back into the water after getting a swimmer’s ear diagnosis will only make things worse. Water will introduce new bacteria, especially when swimming in natural bodies like rivers or lakes. Even pools, when not properly maintained, can carry bacteria and irritate the already sensitive ear. When the ear canal is inflamed, swimming causes further infection. 

So, many hearing health professionals recommend that one should take a break from swimming and any other water activity until the symptoms improve. Letting the ear completely heal will stop the condition from becoming worse or going deeper into the ear canal.

Symptoms That Signal It’s Time to Stop Swimming

There are signs that swimming should be paused. Pain when touching the outer ear is one of the common early symptoms. There might be redness, swelling, or fluid draining from the ear. Others might also notice muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

These symptoms suggest that the infection is still there, so water exposure will worsen it. It’s easy to want to go for a weekend trip or a swim meet, but with an infection, rest is important. A hearing health professional can check whether the infection is cleared and when it’s good to swim again.

Healing Takes Time and Care

Swimmer’s ear can eventually get better with proper treatment, but there’s no instant cure. Many cases respond well to prescribed ear drops in a few days, but a full recovery will take longer. During treatment, the ear should be completely dry.

That means no swimming or other water-based activities. Be careful when showering and obey medical advice for a faster healing process. Some also have to adjust their daily habits for a short time, but the long-term benefit is worth it. The better the care during recovery, the less likely swimmer’s ear will recur or worsen.

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear Once Healed

Once swimmer’s ear clears up, there are different changes that can reduce the chance of a recurrence. Drying the ears completely after swimming or showering is a good habit. Also, tilting the head to let water drain or gently using a towel is helpful. Some people also go for over-the-counter drying drops, but these are only useful when the ears are healthy and unbroken. 

It’s important to avoid using cotton swabs or inserting anything into the ears. If swimmer’s ear becomes a pattern, a hearing health professional will recommend custom swim molds that can keep the ears protected when swimming and doing other water-related activities. 

When to Check In With a Professional

Mild swimmer’s ear might feel like something that one should wait out, but it’s a beneficial idea to ask for help if the symptoms persist for too long. Waiting too long will allow the infection to spread or become more uncomfortable. 

A hearing health professional will check whether it’s really swimmer’s ear or a similar condition. They can also offer the right treatment and guidance on when one can go back to swimming. Hearing should be protected, and for those dealing with pain, pressure, or lingering symptoms, now’s the best time to schedule a check-in and start healing.