What Causes Swimmer's Ear?

Swimming In Water With Elevated Bacteria

Pools and other maintained bodies of water are typically maintained and treated with chemicals to reduce the occurrence of bacteria that may be harmful to health. However, bodies of natural water, such as lakes and rivers, do not have such protection. As such, bacteria is allowed to grow freely and sometimes at elevated levels. Swimming in water with elevated bacteria causes swimmer's ear due to the fact the water contaminated with the bacteria flows into the outer ear canal and get trapped in the warm, moist environment, encouraging the growth of infection. The best way to prevent swimmer's ear from elevated bacteria levels is to avoid swimming in non-maintained, non-chemically treated bodies of water. If an individual does swim in a lake or river, it is best to make sure to drain the ears of water often, by tipping the head to the side and drying the ears with a clean, soft towel.