Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

Diagnosis

Swimmer's ear usually is diagnosed by examining the ear with a special viewing tool called an otoscope. The doctor looks for:

• Swelling or redness of the skin of the external ear canal

• Draining fluid or debris in external ear canal

• Tender lymph nodes near the ear

In rare cases, a culture of the drainage is necessary. For a culture, a sample of the draining fluid is treated in a laboratory to see what bacteria or fungi grow. Your doctor also may examine the eardrum to look for signs of middle ear infection.

Expected Duration

With treatment, symptoms usually improve within 1 to 3 days and go away completely in 7 to 10 days. The problem can return, especially if you don't take steps to prevent getting water in the ear canals repeatedly.