Can Swimmer's Ear Cause Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can be one of the symptoms of an infection of the outer or middle ear, also known as swimmer’s ear.¹

An infection of the outer ear is normally caused by bacteria growth brought on by the presence of excess moisture in the ear or a cut to the lining of the ear canal. Swimmer’s ear will often involve swelling or fluid that can cause some discomfort. If not treated quickly, the client can experience severe pain due to pressure in the ear canal, and some clients will hear a ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear.

If you believe you are experiencing swimmer’s ear, contact your doctor as it can be treated. It may take a couple of weeks to clear up and if treated successfully the tinnitus should be temporary.

How to prevent Swimmer's Ear

Make sure to dry your ears after swimming or showering by using a towel or hair dryer. Do not put anything in your ear, as it can cut the lining of the ear canal. You can help prevent swimmer’s ear by wearing custom earplugs while swimming.

Swimming earplugs are a great option for sport or leisure swimmers to protect their ears. Some benefits of wearing custom noise protection include:

• They are soft and comfortable
• When used correctly, they completely seal and keep water out of the ear canal
• They can be floatable
• They can also come in bright and vibrant colours

Learn more about custom earplugs for swimming here.

1 “Treatments to Help You Prevent and Cure Swimmer’s Ear.” Sound Advice Hearing Aid Clinic. August 2, 2018. Accessed June 8, 2022.

http://sahac.com/hearing-loss-consequences/swimmers-ear-what-it-is-and-how-to-treat-it/