Swimmer's Ear Treatment Gangnam Seoul

What is swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear is the everyday name for acute otitis externa that follows water exposure. When water sits in the ear canal, it washes away protective wax and softens the skin, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and fungi thrive. It has nothing to do with the middle ear behind the eardrum, which is a different condition.

It is common in summer, among swimmers and divers, and in people who visit pools, beaches, saunas and jjimjilbang regularly.

Symptoms

Itching in the ear canal, often the first sign
Pain that worsens when you tug the earlobe or press the small flap in front of the ear
Clear or yellow discharge
Plugged feeling and muffled hearing
In more advanced cases, swelling that closes the canal and pain spreading to the jaw or neck

Causes and risk factors

Frequent swimming, especially in lakes, rivers or poorly maintained pools
Narrow ear canals or earwax buildup that traps water
Aggressive ear cleaning that scratches the canal
Earplugs or earbuds used while the ear is still wet
Hot, humid weather

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Diagnosis is made by examining the ear canal under magnification. Dr. Kim notes how swollen the canal is, what type of debris is present and whether the eardrum is intact. He also checks that the pain is not coming from a middle ear infection such as acute otitis media, since the treatments differ. If muffled hearing persists after treatment, a hearing test may be done.

Treatment options

Professional cleaning: removal of debris with suction so that medication can work; see ear cleaning
Prescription ear drops: usually an antibiotic, often combined with a steroid; antifungal drops for fungal infection
Pain relief while the swelling settles
Keeping the ear dry for the duration of treatment

How to use ear drops

Lie with the affected ear up, place the drops, and gently pump the small flap in front of the ear to help them flow in. Stay lying down for a few minutes. Complete the full course even when pain improves early.

Prevention

Tilt your head to drain water after swimming and dry the outer ear with a towel
Use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting held away from the ear
Consider well-fitted swimming earplugs if you swim often
Avoid cotton swabs and do not scratch inside the ear

When to see an ENT

See an ENT if ear pain lasts more than a day or two or keeps returning. Get prompt care for fever, severe pain, swelling of the face or neck, facial weakness, or if you have diabetes or a weak immune system.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Travelers who have just been to a beach resort, or expats who swim regularly in Seoul, can be seen by Dr. Kim and receive clear English instructions. A former professor at Yonsei and Ajou, he is a rhinology subspecialist who treats all ear, nose and throat conditions. Practical visit tips are on our English-speaking ENT page.

Can I fly with swimmer's ear?

Flying is usually fine because swimmer's ear affects the outer canal, not the middle ear. However, a very swollen canal can be uncomfortable. Start treatment before travel, keep drops in your carry-on and ask for advice if pain is severe.

How do I prevent swimmer's ear?

Keep ears as dry as possible: drain water after swimming, dry the outer ear gently, avoid cotton swabs and consider swim earplugs. People with frequent episodes can ask an ENT about safe preventive measures suited to their ears.

Is swimmer's ear contagious?

No. Swimmer's ear is not spread from person to person. It develops because of conditions inside your own ear canal, such as trapped moisture and damaged skin, which allow bacteria or fungi to grow.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Swimmer's Ear Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul