Otitis Externa: causes and treatment

Otitis Externa is a condition that causes inflammation of the external ear canal, the tube between your outer ear and your eardrum. It is often referred to as 'swimmers ear', because a common cause is water remaining in the ear canal after swimming. With treatment, any symptoms should clear up within a few days, but some severe cases it may persist for several months or longer, despite normally only affecting one ear at any given time. 

• Ear pain, varying in severity according to the intensity of your infection
• An itchy feeling in your ear canal
• Temporary hearing loss, or difficulty understanding quiet sounds
• Experience some discharge from your ear, normally a clear, white or yellowy in colour
• Redness and swelling of your outer ear and ear canal
• Tenderness when moving your ear or jaw
• Swollen and/or sore throat glands

• Overexposure to moisture - swimming (especially in dirty water), sweating or humid environments can all introduce bacteria-laden liquid to the delicate ear canal, or wash away protective layers of earwax.
• Ear damage - most often caused by the insertion of cotton buds, or incorrect insertion of ear plugs or earphones.
• Chemicals - such as hair spray, hair dye or some earwax softeners.
• Underlying skin conditions - such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.
• Weak immune system or allergic conditions - such as asthma, diabetes or as a result of using certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Otitis Externa can usually be remedied with a simple course of eardrops, as prescribed by your local GP. If your symptoms linger or your case has been particularly severe, you may be referred to a specialist who may undertake, micro-suction or dry swabbing to remove earwax and other debris to make your drops more effective. Severe cases may require an earwick, a plug made from soft cotton gauze that helps insert medication into your ear.

While you take your medication, it is important to take certain steps at home to help aid your recovery. Avoid getting your ear wet by wearing a shower cap when you bathe, and gently remove any discharge by gently swabbing around your ear rather than in it. Remove any hearing aids, ear plugs and earrings will also help prevent the spread of bacteria.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Otitis Externa, it is important to make an appointment with your local doctor. To learn more about other ear infections, visit our Otitis Media, Labyrinthitis or ear infection pages.