What are the symptoms?
Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is characterised by various symptoms that can affect the ear canal. Common signs include:
Itching: Persistent itching inside the ear canal is a typical early symptom of swimmer's ear. It may start mildly but can intensify if left untreated.
Redness and Swelling: The ear canal may appear red and swollen. This inflammation is often accompanied by a feeling of fullness or discomfort.
Pain: Swimmer's ear can cause varying degrees of pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe earache. The pain may worsen when touching or pulling on the outer ear.
Drainage: The ear might produce clear, odorless fluid or pus. This discharge can be a sign of infection and may indicate a more advanced stage of swimmer's ear.
Decreased Hearing: Due to the swelling and accumulation of fluid or debris in the ear canal, hearing loss or muffled hearing may occur.