Earache after swimming
Usually it is swimmer's ear: an inflammation of the outer ear canal.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohamed Atef, Consultant Gynaecologist · October 2026
How to recognise it
- Pain worse when pulling the earlobe
- Itching, fullness, sometimes discharge
- Muffled hearing
- Often 1–2 days after swimming
Help yourself or call a doctor?
What helps
- Keep the ear dry, no swimming
- Nothing in the ear: no cotton buds
- Painkillers as per the leaflet
- Ear drops only after an examination
Call a doctor for
- Severe pain, also at night
- Fever or chills
- Swelling behind the ear
- Dizziness, hearing loss, facial weakness
- Discharge or blood
- Pain after diving or flying
What the doctor does: looks at the ear canal and eardrum. Only then is it clear which drops are safe, because some must not be used with an injured eardrum.
Prevention
Dry ears gentlytilt your head
Earplugsif you swim a lot
No cotton budsin the ear canal
Equalise pressuredo not dive with a cold
Frequently asked questions
May I swim with earache?
Better not; moisture delays healing. Wait until the doctor allows it.
How long does it last?
With treatment usually a few days. If the pain gets worse, have it checked.
Sources: ADAC (May 2026: “Sick in Egypt”)
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