Preventing Swimmer's Ear | Healthy Swimming | CDC May 28, 2025 # Preventing Swimmer's Ear ## Key points - Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal for a long period of time, providing a moist environment for bacteria to multiply. - Children are more likely to get swimmer's ear than adults, but it can affect anyone. - Swimmer’s ear is not contagious. ## Overview Swimmer's ear (also known as acute otitis externa) is a bacterial infection. It is typically caused by water that has stayed in the outer ear canal for a long time. This wears down protective wax and skin and provides a moist environment for bacteria to multiply. Anyone can get swimmer's ear, but it is most often seen in children. Swimmer's ear cannot be spread from one person to another. Swimmer's ear is different from a middle ear infection, which is also common in children. ## Signs and symptoms of swimmer's ear - Pain when the outer ear is tugged or when pressure is put on the part of the outer ear that sticks out in front of the ear canal (tragus) - Itchiness inside the ear - Drainage from the ear - Redness and swelling in the ear ## Prevention steps and strateg