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Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection) Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is otitis externa?

Otitis externa is inflammation of the external auditory canal, the tube that runs from the outer ear to the eardrum. It is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, and less often by fungi such as Aspergillus or Candida. When it follows swimming, it is often called swimmer's ear.

The skin of the ear canal is thin and sensitive. Once its protective wax layer is disturbed, moisture and germs can take hold quickly.

Symptoms

• Ear pain, often severe, that worsens when you touch or pull the ear or chew
• Itching inside the ear canal
• Discharge, which may be clear, yellow or, with fungal infection, white, black or fluffy
• Feeling of fullness and muffled hearing as the canal swells
• Swelling or tender lymph nodes around the ear

Causes

• Water trapped in the ear after swimming, showering or saunas
• Scratching or cleaning the ear with cotton swabs, hairpins or fingernails
• Earbuds and hearing aids that trap heat and moisture
• Skin conditions such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
• Humid summer weather and frequent use of public baths

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim examines the ear canal and eardrum with magnification. He checks whether the eardrum is intact, because some drops are not suitable when there is an eardrum perforation, and looks for features of fungal infection. If discharge is heavy or the infection does not respond, a sample may be sent for culture. A hearing test can be performed if hearing remains reduced after the canal clears.

Treatment options

• Ear cleaning: gentle suction removal of debris and discharge so drops can reach the infected skin, part of our ear cleaning service
• Medicated ear drops: antibiotic, often with a steroid to reduce swelling; antifungal drops for fungal infection
• Ear wick: a small sponge placed in a very swollen canal to carry drops inside
• Pain relief: over-the-counter pain relievers usually suffice
• Oral antibiotics: reserved for infection spreading beyond the canal or patients with diabetes or weak immunity

Keep the ear dry during treatment: avoid swimming, protect the ear in the shower with a cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly, and do not insert earbuds until it heals.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT if ear pain, discharge or blockage lasts more than a couple of days. Seek prompt care if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, severe pain, fever, spreading redness on the face or neck, facial weakness, or dizziness. Elderly patients with diabetes are at risk of a serious form called necrotizing (malignant) otitis externa.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a board-certified otolaryngologist and former Yonsei and Ajou university professor. His subspecialty is rhinology, but he treats ear conditions every day and explains how to use your drops correctly in English. Visit our Ear Clinic near Gangnam-gu Office Station; see hours before you come.

Frequently asked questions

Can I swim with otitis externa?

It is best to avoid swimming until the infection clears, usually about a week or so after starting treatment. Water in the canal slows healing and can make drops less effective. Ask Dr. Kim when it is safe to return to the pool.

Should I clean my ears with cotton swabs?

No. Cotton swabs push wax deeper and scratch the thin canal skin, which is a common trigger for otitis externa. The ear canal is self-cleaning. If wax or debris builds up, an ENT can remove it safely.

How long does an outer ear infection take to heal?

Most cases improve within two to three days of starting drops, with full recovery in about a week to ten days. If pain is not improving after 48–72 hours, return for review, as the canal may need further cleaning or a different treatment.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.