Swimmer's ear
Also called: otitis externa
An infection of the outer ear canal, also called swimmer's ear. The outer ear canal runs from the eardrum to the outside of the head.
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Usually self-diagnosable
- Lab tests or imaging rarely required
- Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that runs from the eardrum to the outside of the head. It's often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. This creates a moist environment that helps bacteria or fungi grow.
Common: More than 200,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Feb 9, 2023 · An outer ear infection (otitis externa) causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the ear canal. Learn about symptoms and treatments.
Mar 1, 2001 · Otitis externa is most commonly caused by infection (usually bacterial, although occasionally fungal), but it may also be associated with a ...
Mar 5, 2024 · Otitis externa (OE) is an inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal (EAC), the auricle, or both. This condition can be found ...
Jul 31, 2023 · Otitis externa (OE) is an inflammation, that can be either infectious or non-infectious, of the external auditory canal.
Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria.
Long-term infection (chronic otitis externa). An outer ear infection is usually considered chronic if signs and symptoms persist for more than three months.
Swimmer's ear (also known as otitis externa) is a bacterial infection typically caused by water that stayed in the outer ear canal for a long period of time ...
Nov 15, 2022 · Swimmer's ear (also called otitis externa) is an ear infection in your ear canal, the pathway between your outer ear and your middle ear.
Otitis externa, also called external otitis or 'swimmer's ear', is a common inflammatory condition of the external auditory canal (the ear canal).