Symptoms Of Swimmer's Ear

While it is certainly possible to get swimmer's ear from swimming in a pool or the ocean, don't let the name fool you. Swimmer's ear, aka otitis externa, is caused by bacteria or fungi and can happen at any time. That said, it most commonly occurs in children who swim because of the buildup of water in their ears. Moisture and other irritants, like foreign objects, chemicals, skin conditions, dry skin, and rough cleaning practices, create a hospitable environment for the bacteria or fungi to live in the ear canal and can lead to infection.