Swimmer’s Ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the ear canal that can cause a temporary ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear, known as tinnitus. This perception of sound is a temporary side effect that often accompanies the inflammation and blockage associated with the infection.
Understanding Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s Ear is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, the tube running from the outside opening to the eardrum. It is most frequently caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments created when water remains trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing. This trapped moisture compromises the skin barrier, allowing infectious agents to take hold.
Risk factors include humidity, minor trauma from cleaning the ear with cotton swabs, or pre-existing skin conditions like eczema. Common symptoms are intense pain, which often worsens when the outer ear is gently tugged, along with itching, discharge, and a feeling of fullness. Muffled hearing often occurs as the ear canal swells shut.
The Mechanism Linking Swimmer’s Ear and Tinnitus
The ringing sound is a result of physical changes occurring in the outer ear canal due to the infection. Swimmer’s Ear causes the skin lining the ear canal to become inflamed and swell. This swelling, combined with accumulated fluid or debris, narrows or completely blocks the ear canal.
This blockage prevents sound waves from traveling efficiently to the eardrum, causing temporary conductive hearing loss and a “plugged” sensation. The pressure and irritation affect the eardrum’s ability to vibrate naturally, resulting in the perception of tinnitus. This tinnitus is a temporary, secondary symptom of the infection and is not a sign of inner ear damage.
Addressing Persistent Ringing
The tinnitus caused by Swimmer’s Ear is temporary and should subside shortly after the infection is treated and the swelling goes down. Mild to moderate cases typically show significant improvement within two to three days of starting antibiotic ear drops. Full recovery is expected within seven to ten days, at which point the ringing sensation should fade as the ear canal opens up.
If the ringing persists for weeks after successful treatment, or if it is accompanied by other severe symptoms, a medical evaluation is warranted. Symptoms suggesting a complication include persistent dizziness, vertigo, or ringing that is significantly louder and affects only one ear. Prompt medical attention is important for lingering symptoms, as untreated infections can sometimes lead to complications extending beyond the outer ear.