The short answer by type of infection
- Outer ear infection (otitis externa/swimmer’s ear): avoid swimming and keep the canal dry until treatment is finished, usually 7–10 days.
- Middle ear infection (otitis media), intact eardrum: swimming is usually fine once you are well, but surface swimming without diving is safer, and ear protection is reasonable.
- Middle ear infection with perforated eardrum or discharge: keep water out until healed.
- Ear tubes (grommets): many surgeons allow swimming with plugs; follow your own ENT’s advice, and avoid diving and soapy water.
- After ear surgery: follow your surgeon’s timing.
- Fever or feeling unwell: rest instead of swimming.
Why water matters with swimmer’s ear
In otitis externa the skin of the canal is already inflamed and broken. Water softens it further, washes away ear drops and brings bacteria and fungi, so swimming can prolong the infection and make pain worse. It is also unpleasant, as water in an inflamed canal can be painful. Wait until the pain, swelling and discharge are gone and the course of drops is complete, then return gradually with ear protection. See swimmer’s ear.
Middle ear infection and swimming
The middle ear is behind the eardrum, so water in the ear canal generally cannot reach it when the eardrum is intact. Children and adults with a middle ear infection can usually swim once they feel well and have no fever, though diving, jumping and forceful water entry can cause pressure and pain. If the eardrum has perforated, you may notice sudden relief of pain, discharge or blood-tinged fluid; water in the ear can then cause outer ear infection or enter the middle ear, so keep the ear dry until a doctor confirms healing. See ear fullness.
How to protect your ears in water
- Use soft, custom-moulded or well-fitted silicone earplugs; check with your doctor that plugs are appropriate.
- Wear a tight neoprene headband or swim cap over the ears.
- Avoid diving or deep swimming while recovering.
- Keep your head above water when possible and avoid contaminated water.
- Dry your ears after leaving the water: tilt the head, tug the earlobe, pat the outer ear.
- Use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting at arm’s length.
- Do not use cotton buds to dry the canal.
Showering, bathing and hair washing
During treatment, protect the ear when showering by placing a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly at the ear opening, or by wearing a shower cap or custom plug. Keep your head tilted away from the shower stream and avoid submerging in baths. Rinse the hair in a way that does not run water into the ear.
Children and swimming with ear problems
Children get both outer and middle ear infections frequently. If a child has ear pain, fever or discharge, avoid swimming until a doctor has examined them. Children with ear tubes can often swim with plugs, but always check with their own ENT. Teach children to tilt their heads and dry ears after swimming. See clogged ears for other ear problems in children.
When can you swim again?
- Pain, itching and discharge have resolved.
- The course of ear drops or antibiotics is complete.
- A doctor confirms the eardrum and canal have healed, if there was a perforation or surgery.
- Start with short, careful sessions with ear protection and dry afterwards.
- If pain or itching returns, stop and see a doctor.
If water gets in your ear
- Tilt your head, tug the earlobe and let the water drain.
- Dry the outer ear with a towel; use a hairdryer on low and cool.
- Do not use cotton buds or sharp objects.
- Do not use drops or irrigation if you have pain, discharge or a known perforation, unless a doctor advises.
- If the ear feels blocked or sore after a day, see a doctor. See cómo sacar agua del oído (Spanish).
When to see a doctor
- Ear pain, discharge or hearing loss.
- Fever or swelling around the ear.
- Dizziness, facial weakness or severe headache.
- Diabetes or weak immunity with ear symptoms.
- Ear tubes or previous eardrum perforation and a new infection.
- Recurrent infections after swimming.
Three common situations
Itchy, painful ear after a pool week: likely swimmer’s ear; stay out of the water and see a doctor.
A child recovering from a cold-related middle ear infection with no fever: usually fine to swim with ear protection if the eardrum is intact, as advised.
A person with ear tubes planning a beach holiday: ask the ENT about plugs and rules.
Key points to remember
Avoid swimming with swimmer’s ear and with any perforation, discharge or fever. With an intact eardrum, a recovering middle ear infection may allow swimming with care. Protect and dry your ears, and ask your own doctor about tubes or surgery. Our ENT team can advise.
This guide is for general information and does not replace an examination by your own doctor or ENT specialist.
Questions about swimming with an ear infection
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
Can I swim with swimmer’s ear?
It is best to avoid swimming until the infection has healed, usually 7–10 days.
Can I swim with a middle ear infection?
Often yes if the eardrum is intact and you feel well; avoid it with a perforation or discharge.
Can you swim with ear tubes?
Many surgeons allow it with plugs; follow your own ENT’s advice.
Should I use earplugs?
Well-fitted plugs and a swim cap help prevent water entry, if your doctor agrees.
How long before swimming after an ear infection?
Until symptoms are gone, treatment is finished and any perforation is healed.
What if water gets in my infected ear?
Dry the outer ear gently and contact your doctor if pain or discharge increases.
Sources
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.