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Earache on holiday: recognise and treat swimmer’s ear
Swimming, snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea are part of the holiday. Afterwards the ears sometimes complain. The most common cause is so-called swimmer’s ear, an inflammation of the outer ear canal.
How to recognise swimmer’s ear
- Ear pain that gets worse when you pull the earlobe or press in front of the ear
- Itching, a feeling of fullness, sometimes discharge
- Hearing can be muffled because the ear canal swells
- Usually one ear, often one to two days after swimming or diving
Moisture softens the skin in the ear canal. Then bacteria or fungi can inflame the skin.
What you can do yourself
- Keep the ear dry. No swimming or diving until it is better. Protect the ear in the shower.
- Put nothing in the ear. No cotton buds, no fingers, no flushing on your own.
- Painkillers as described in the leaflet. If unsure, ask a pharmacist or doctor.
- Ear drops only after a medical examination. A doctor must first see whether the eardrum is injured, because some drops must not go into the ear then.
When to call a doctor
- Severe pain that keeps you awake at night
- Fever or chills
- Swelling, redness or pain behind the ear
- Dizziness, clearly worse hearing or facial weakness
- Discharge or blood from the ear
- Earache after diving or after a flight, especially with hearing loss or dizziness
- See a doctor sooner: children, people with diabetes or a weakened immune system
What the doctor does
The doctor looks at the ear canal and eardrum with an otoscope. After the examination the doctor decides whether ear drops, cleaning or other medicines make sense, and explains the active substance and how to use it.
Prevention
- After swimming, dry your ears gently, tilting your head to the side.
- Earplugs or a swimming cap if you swim often.
- Do not clean the ear canal with cotton buds.
- When diving and flying, mind pressure equalisation, and do not dive with a cold.
Frequently asked questions
How long does swimmer’s ear last?
With the right treatment it usually improves within a few days. Without treatment it can get worse. Have it looked at if the pain increases.
May I swim with earache?
Better not. Moisture delays healing. Wait until a doctor allows it.
Can a doctor come to my hotel?
Yes. The doctor examines the ear and eardrum in your hotel room and tells you what makes sense.
How we work
We come to your hotel room or accommodation, examine you and agree the price in writing beforehand. You receive a report and an invoice in English for your insurer.
We state medicines and materials beforehand in the written fixed price. Travel once per visit: up to 30 minutes included, 30–45 minutes +€15, 45–60 minutes +€25. No hidden fees: no service charge, no extra bill afterwards.
Please do not send health details on WhatsApp. Only your accommodation and that you would like a doctor’s visit.