Q&A : ADVICE FROM EXPERTS AN EARFUL OF ADVICE ON INFECTION, PAIN.

What is swimmer's ear?

It is an inflammatory condition of the external auditory canal, the outside ear.

How do people get it?

Swimmer's ear occurs when water gets into the ear and does not drain. Bacteria and fungus then can develop. Heat and humidity add to the conditions that will cause an infection. It usually occurs only in one ear.

Is swimmer's ear a serious condition?

There is severe pain associated with swimmer's ear, and it can block hearing.

Who is a typical candidate?

People who spend a lot of time in the water. You can even get it from showering. But there is no typical candidate.

How do physicians take care of it?

An anti-inflammatory or Tylenol will help relieve the pain. It is also important to clean the ear canal; doctors will prescribe an antibiotic and steroid combination eardrop to clean out the ear. If it's a severe case, oral medications are given.

How can swimmer's ear be prevented?

After getting out of the water or shower, use a hair dryer to dry out your ears. Do not use cotton swabs, they only make the problem worse because the tips will push the wax deeper and toward the sides of the ear canal, making it even more difficult to clear. This can cause trauma to the ear canal. The key is to make the ear canal acidic because bacteria and fungus cannot thrive in an acidic environment. Use a diluted solution of vinegar and water or a product called Vosol.