Otitis externa, also often known as ‘swimmer’s ear’, refers to an infection in the outer ear which is caused by a species of fungi or bacteria. The infection has its onset in the ear canal and may spread into the inner parts of the ear if proper treatment is not met with. Initial otitis externa symptoms include a severe and nagging itch in the ear which is causes the softening of the lining that protects the ear canal from infections.

As the bacteria or fungi grow inside the canal, the infection increases and can become extremely painful. Not only does the ear become tender, but it also begins to ooze fluid, increasing the discomfort. Otitis externa symptoms are extremely painful and as the infection persists, the symptoms also intensify further.


Eventually, if the otitis externa symptoms continue to persist, the person may experience temporary or permanent hearing loss. The hearing loss could either be partial or complete depending on the extent of the infection.

It is important to get a diagnosis as soon as the first otitis externa symptoms are experienced so that proper treatment is given to the person and flaring up of the infection is prevented. Specially formulated otitis externa drops are used to clean out the infection and cleanse the ear infection. The doctor will remove the pus and drain any accumulated fluids in the ear. At this point, to treat the otitis externa symptoms, the doctor may give you antibiotics for otitis externa as well.

Otitis externa is a common infection amongst swimmers and anyone else who spends a lot of time in the water or lives in an extremely humid environment. People who sweat profusely are also susceptible to Swimmer’s ear. This is because excessive moisture tends to wear away the protective fluid and waxy substances of the ear that inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. People who swim in chlorinated water are more prone to developing otitis externa than those who swim in dirty water, since the chlorinated water tends to wear off the protective barrier of the ear more easily. The most common cause of otitis externa is the use of cotton buds to clean the ears. Repeated cleaning of the ears could cause the depletion of the waxy layer which inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.

An effective otitis externa home remedy is vitamin C. Increased consumption of vitamin C can help you keep your ear infection in control. Increased consumption of zinc can also help in keeping the ear infection in check.