Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection)

  • The best way to avoid otitis externa (outer ear canal infection/swimmer's ear) is to keep the ears clean and dry. Wearing properly fitting earplugs while in the water is important. In the shower, coating a cotton ball in Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and placing it into the ear is also a good way to prevent water from entering the ear.
  • Dry ear(s) with a hair dryer set on cool after showering. Avoid putting foreign objects in your ear. Never attempt to scratch using a cotton swab, paper clip or hairpin. This can start an infection and push material deeper in your ear canal.

  • Vinegar-Alcohol Ear Irrigation

  •  250 mL of rubbing alcohol
  •  250 mL of white vinegar
  •  Ear bulb syringe

  • Mix together and gently flush the ear(s) with about 1 tsp (5 mL) of the solution. This can be done after every shower, or as needed.
  • The alcohol mixes with any residual water and evaporates out. The vinegar makes an acidic environment to help stop the growth of bacteria and fungus. Do not use if you have a perforation (hole) in your eardrum or tubes.
DID YOU KNOW There are three areas of the ear that can be infected, the symptoms and how they are treated are very different! Outer Ear Infections (Otitis Externa/Swimmer's Ear) involves an either bacterial or fungal infection affecting the ear canal. Symptoms typically include smelly discharge, swollen ear canal, decreased hearing, pain and itching. It is often best treated with ear drops targeted to the type of infeciton Middle Ear Infections (Acute Otitis Media) are most commonly seen in kids. They are often caused by fluid in the ear that becomes infected by bacteria or viruses. Getting water in your ear does not cause these types of infections. It most commonly presents with pain, decreased hearing, fever. There is often NO drainage unless the ear drum ruptures. Some middle ear infections require no antibiotic treatment and will improve with time and pain control. If the infection requires treatment, it should be in the form of oral antibiotics. Inner Ear Infections (Labyrinthitis/Vestibular Neuronitis) are often the result of a viral infection. They present with dizziness and hearing issues. You will rarely have any drainage or severe pain from this type of infection and by looking in the ear, you cannot 'see' an infection. In some cases, steroids may be needed as treatment.