MAYWOOD, IL – There is nothing more refreshing than hopping into a cool pool on a hot summer day. But this relaxing summer activity can quickly become a real pain if you develop swimmer’s ear.

“Swimmer’s ear is an infection and inflammation of the ear canal and can be extremely painful. It is caused by moisture being trapped in the ear canal creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow,” said Aaron Michelfelder, MD, family medicine physician at Loyola Medicine and professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Though commonly called swimmer’s ear, according to Dr. Michelfelder a person can have this painful condition even if he or she doesn’t swim. Other factors for developing swimmer’s ear include:

  • Living in a humid climate

  • Allowing water to run into ears while showering

  • Sitting in steam rooms

“Though you can treat this with ear drops it’s best to be proactive and try to prevent it,” said Dr. Michelfelder.

He offers some tips to help prevent swimmer’s ear.

  1. Use silicone ear plugs that completely cover the outer ear to avoid the ear canal getting wet

  2. Keep cotton swabs fingers and other objects out of the ear as this can destroy the fragile skin that protects it

  3. If you don’t use ear plugs dry your ears with a hair dryer on the low setting after swimming or showering

“There are over the counter ear drops available that help prevent swimmer’s ear, but I found my old diving coach’s recipe to work just as well if not better,” said Dr. Michelfelder.

He says to combine:

1/3 white vinegar

1/3 hydrogen peroxide

1/3 rubbing alcohol

“Put a few drops in your ear right after swimming. The hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial/antifungal and the rubbing alcohol helps to dry the ear. The even parts dilutes the mixture so no one component is too strong,” Dr. Michelfelder said.

Swimmer’s ear often is confused with an ear infection, but they affect different parts of the ear. According to Dr. Michelfelder an ear infection is behind the ear drum where swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal.

“Swimmer’s ear and ear infections have similar symptoms, both hurt and can cause discharge. A good distinguishing factor is a fever. If you have a fever, it’s an ear infection,” Dr. Michelfelder said. “If you have any concerns go see your doctor and if you have discharge be sure to not stick anything in your ear, including your finger as it can cause damage.”

According to Dr. Michelfelder, see a doctor if:

  • Pain doesn’t go away in a day or two

  • Have a change in hearing

  • See discharge or blood coming from the ear

  • Have a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit

If you do have swimmer’s ear Michelfelder says to avoid swimming for five weeks and cover ears when showering.

“The key really is prevention. Swimming is a great way to get exercise and enjoy your summer. Just think ahead before jumping in the pool and you won’t miss out on the fun,” Dr. Michelfelder said.

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About Loyola University Health System
Loyola University Health System (LUHS) is a member of Trinity Health. Based in the western suburbs of Chicago, LUHS is a quaternary care system with a 61-acre main medical center campus, the 36-acre Gottlieb Memorial Hospital campus and more than 30 primary and specialty care facilities in Cook, Will and DuPage counties. The medical center campus is conveniently located in Maywood, 13 miles west of the Chicago Loop and 8 miles east of Oak Brook, Ill. At the heart of the medical center campus is a 559-licensed-bed hospital that houses a Level 1 Trauma Center, a Burn Center and the Ronald McDonald® Children's Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center. Also on campus are the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola Outpatient Center, Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine and Loyola Oral Health Center as well as the LUC Stritch School of Medicine, the LUC Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and the Loyola Center for Fitness. Loyola's Gottlieb campus in Melrose Park includes the 255-licensed-bed community hospital, the Professional Office Building housing 150 private practice clinics, the Adult Day Care, the Gottlieb Center for Fitness, Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Care and the Loyola Cancer Care & Research at the Marjorie G. Weinberg Cancer Center at Melrose Park.


About Trinity Health Loyola University Health System is part of Trinity Health, a national Catholic health system with an enduring legacy and a steadfast mission to be a transforming and healing presence within the communities we serve. Trinity is committed to being a people-centered health care system that enables better health, better care and lower costs. Trinity Health has 84 hospitals and hundreds of continuing care facilities, home care agencies and outpatient centers in 21 states and 89,000 employees.