Swimmer’s ear: How to tell if you have an ear infection

If you’ve noticed ear discomfort, pain, or changes in hearing after swimming or spending time in the water, you may be wondering what’s causing it. One possible explanation is swimmer’s ear, an outer ear infection that develops when moisture becomes trapped in the ear canal and creates an environment where bacteria can grow. 

Because symptoms can start mildly and worsen over time, swimmer’s ear isn’t always easy to recognize right away. Understanding the most common symptoms—and how swimmer’s ear differs from other ear infections—can help you decide when it’s time to seek professional guidance and prevent symptoms from becoming more severe. 

• What are the most common symptoms of swimmer’s ear?
• Can swimmer’s ear affect your hearing?
• How is swimmer’s ear different from other ear infections?
• When should swimmer’s ear symptoms be checked?
• What to do if you think you have swimmer’s ear

Note: Our Hearing Care Providers (HCPs) are here to support your hearing health and provide personalized guidance. However, if you're concerned about medical issues affecting your hearing, always consult your healthcare provider first. 

What are the most common symptoms of swimmer’s ear? 

Swimmer’s ear symptoms often begin subtly and become more noticeable as the infection progresses. Many people first experience irritation or discomfort before realizing an infection may be developing. Below are the most common symptoms to watch for, especially after swimming or water exposure. 

1. Ear pain that worsens when touched or moved 

One of the hallmark symptoms of swimmer’s ear is ear pain that increases when the outer ear is touched, pulled, or when pressure is applied near the ear opening. The pain may start as mild soreness and progress to sharper or more persistent discomfort, particularly when chewing or lying on the affected side. 

2. Itching or irritation in the ear canal 

Early swimmer’s ear often causes itching deep inside the ear canal. This irritation can feel persistent and uncomfortable and may be one of the first signs that moisture has disrupted the ear’s natural defenses. 

3. Redness or swelling around the ear opening 

As swimmer’s ear develops, the skin of the ear canal may appear red, swollen, or inflamed. In some cases, the ear may feel warm or tender to the touch, signaling irritation or infection in the outer ear. 

4. Fluid drainage from the ear 

Some people with swimmer’s ear notice fluid draining from the ear. This may appear clear, cloudy, or slightly yellow and is often accompanied by discomfort or ear pressure. Drainage is a sign that the ear canal is irritated and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider promptly. 

5. A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear 

Swelling and fluid buildup can create a sensation of fullness or blockage in the ear. This feeling may resemble having water trapped in the ear and can contribute to temporary changes in hearing. 

Can swimmer’s ear affect your hearing? 

When the ear canal becomes swollen or filled with fluid due to swimmer’s ear, sound has a harder time traveling efficiently to the eardrum. This can cause muffled hearing or a sense that sounds are quieter than usual. 

These hearing changes are typically temporary and related to the infection itself rather than permanent hearing loss. Once the underlying issue is addressed and the ear canal returns to normal, hearing often improves. However, persistent hearing changes should always be evaluated to rule out other causes. 

How is swimmer’s ear different from other ear infections? 

Not all ear infections are the same, and swimmer’s ear is often confused with other types of ear problems. Understanding the differences can help clarify why symptoms may feel unique. Key differences include: 

• Swimmer’s ear affects the outer ear canal and is commonly linked to water exposure. Pain often worsens when the outer ear is touched.
• Middle ear infections occur behind the eardrum and are more often associated with colds or respiratory infections. Pain is usually deeper and not affected by touching the outer ear.
• Inner ear issues typically involve balance or dizziness rather than pain in the ear canal itself.

Because symptoms can overlap, professional evaluation helps determine which type of ear infection may be present and what next steps are appropriate. 

When should swimmer’s ear symptoms be checked? 

Mild irritation after swimming may resolve on its own, but swimmer’s ear symptoms should not be ignored if they persist or worsen. Ongoing pain, increasing swelling, drainage, or hearing changes are signs that professional guidance is important. 

A Hearing Care Provider (HCP) cannot diagnose ear infections. If you think you may have swimmer’s ear, you should first speak to your primary healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Early evaluation, after all, can help prevent the worst symptoms of swimmer’s ear and reduce the risk of the infection becoming more severe or prolonged. One an infection has been resolved or ruled out, your Hearing Care Provider (HCP) can complete a hearing test and advise on next steps. 

What to do if you think you have swimmer’s ear 

Recognizing swimmer’s ear symptoms early can make a meaningful difference in how quickly you find relief. Paying attention to pain patterns, changes in hearing, and visible irritation after water exposure can help you act with confidence. 

Key takeaways 

• Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection often linked to trapped moisture.
• Symptoms may include pain, itching, redness, drainage, and ear fullness.
• Pain that worsens when the ear is touched is a common sign.

• Temporary hearing changes can occur due to swelling or blockage.
• Early professional evaluation helps prevent symptoms from worsening.

If you’re experiencing ear discomfort or hearing changes after swimming and aren’t sure what’s causing them, support is available. You can book a free hearing test or find a Connect Hearing clinic near you to get clarity on your symptoms and guidance from a Hearing Care Provider (HCP).