Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear)

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Symptoms of an ear infection: Go to the topic Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
• Symptoms of earwax buildup: Go to the topic Earwax.

Note:

If your child has ear tubes in place or you think that the eardrum is ruptured, call your doctor. Drainage can be the first sign of an infection. Do not insert anything, such as water, eardrops, or cotton swabs, into the ear unless your doctor tells you to.

Yes	Do you think you have an ear canal infection?
Yes	Do you have hearing loss or dizziness?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have the following symptom?

• An object or insect in your ear: Go to the topic Objects in the Ear.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: May 22, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.