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Swimmers Ear/Tropical Ear

Swimmers Ear/Tropical Ear is an inflammation of the ear canal by bacterial or fungal infection. In other words, they are just other trems for otitis externa, the medical term for an outer ear infection.

This infection can sometimes be as a result of using objects such as cotton swabs in the ear canal which irritate and remove the protective wax. Infection can then develop following prolonged retention of water from swimming or bathing. In the tropics it is sometimes more prevalent because of the warm temperatures of the water which causing a good culture medium for the bacteria/fungus to grow in. Hence the names swimmer's or tropical ear. It is more prevalent in some areas because of water contamination as well - so is often seen in swimmers who swim in rivers, estuaries, dams, harbours etc where effluent may be an issue. It is also common in divers as a result of trapping of water in the ear canal.

Symptoms range from the ear feeling blocked and itchy right up to it being extremely painful, swelling shut and producing a discharge that may be purulent in nature. Glands in the neck may also become swollen. Once this has occurred you should consult a doctor as you may require an aural toilet (gentle ear irrigation or suctioning of debris) and other treatment to cure the problem.

For people who are prone to swimmer's ear, such as regular swimmers/divers, the disorder can be prevented by using antiseptic eardrops whenever you feel that water is trapped in the ears or following any swimming/diving event. Such eardrops are inexpensive and are sold without prescription under various trade names in different countries. Unfortunately there is not a similar product available in Indonesia.

If your ear doctor says you have normal eardrums, and if he says it is safe, you could make up your own eardrops to use after swimming. Many doctors recommend using alcohol (medical) as an important ingredient. It absorbs the water, helps dry out the ear, and may even kill the bacteria and fungi that cause swimmer's ear. Another effective ingredient is white vinegar, which you could mix half and half with the alcohol. I have very successfully used clear merthiolate as an alternative agent as it has a particularly good drying out effect and does inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Again I have not seen this agent in Indonesia.

For regular surface swimmers (not divers) I recommend the use of earplugs to protect the ear. I find the use of Prestik or 'ticky tack' (used for sticking pictures on the wall) a good alternative - a good size piece blocks the outer canal very adequately and avoids any water getting into the ear canal. It is also very easy to remove from the ear.

Our appreciation to Dr. Paul Vandewalle of International SOS, An AEA Company who researched and contributed this article in response to an inquiry on the Expat Forum.

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