Top tips for ear care during training and events

For many open water swimmers preparing for events like the Coventry Building Society Great North Swim, training often focuses on building endurance, refining technique and improving speed. Ears, however, are not always front of mind!

But like anything that makes you feel out of sorts, an outer ear infection – more commonly known as swimmer’s ear - can disrupt training plans and cause pain and discomfort.

Taking care of your ears, whether it’s in open water or a swimming pool, can become part of your routine - just like warming up, stretching, or checking your stroke technique.

The good news is that with some simple habits and preventative steps you can help to keep your ears healthy and less prone to swimmer’s ear - we’re ‘ear’ here to help with some insights, prevention tips and treatment advice!

What exactly is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. ‘Otitis’ means inflammation of the ear.

It typically happens when water or moisture gets trapped in the ear after swimming, showering, or sweating, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive.

Who is at risk of getting it?

From pool or open water swimming to saunas and showering – if your ears are regularly exposed to water or moisture, you’re more likely to get swimmer’s ear.

Water will often find its own way out but if it gets stuck in the ear, it can wear down the ears’ natural waxy defences allowing bacteria to form and thrive.

You may also find yourself scratching or picking your ear when there’s water inside which can damage the delicate skin and lead to infection.

Even wearing earbuds – if you listen to music while running for example – moisture from sweating can get trapped inside the ear.

Common symptoms to watch for

Swimmer’s ear doesn’t always start with ear ache. Early signs can be subtle, but they usually start quickly.

Look out for:

• Itching and irritation in and around the ear canal.
• Redness and swelling.
• A watery or pus-like discharge.
• Tenderness when you move your ear or jaw.
• A feeling of fullness or pressure.

Can you prevent swimmer’s ear?

There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of getting it.

• Wearing a swimming cap and ear plugs while swimming reduces the amount of water entering your ears.
• Chlorine can have a drying effect on the ear canal potentially causing bacteria to develop so shower after a swim and dry both ears thoroughly.
• Tilt your head side to side to help water drain after swimming or showering.
• Don’t let ear wax build-up as excess wax can cause bacteria to grow and encourage recurrent infections.

Symptom relief

If symptoms are painful, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen.

You should hold off swimming until the infection has fully cleared and be careful not to get the affected ear wet when showering.

Don’t put anything inside the ear – a cotton bud or a finger! – and avoid wearing anything that might make the infection worse such as ear plugs or ear buds.

While swimmer’s ear is fairly common condition it can throw your training regime off track.

Keeping the ear dry will help with its recovery so temporarily park the swims and opt for some dry land alternatives to help keep up the fitness!

EarCalm Spray

Speak to your pharmacist for advice on managing swimmer’s ear symptoms and a suitable treatment.

EarCalm Spray is used for the treatment of minor infections of the outer ear. It contains an antibacterial ingredient called acetic acid to help target and clear the infection, while providing calming relief from symptoms such as pain and inflammation.

EarCalm Spray is available without prescription from pharmacies. Click here to find out more.

Earcalm Spray is used for the treatment of minor infections of the outer ear. It contains the active ingredient acetic acid, an antibacterial agent that targets the bacteria causing the infection, helping to relieve the symptoms. Always read the label.