You should not swim while you have an active ear infection
Water entering your ear during swimming can make an ear infection worse and delay healing. If you have an active infection—one that is currently causing pain, discharge, or other symptoms—your ear is inflamed and more vulnerable to additional irritation or bacterial growth. Even chlorinated or salt water can introduce new bacteria or fungi into an already infected ear.
The risk is highest with otitis media (middle ear infection), where fluid is already trapped behind the eardrum. Water pressure from diving or submersion can push water through a perforated eardrum or increase pressure in the middle ear. With otitis externa (outer ear infection or swimmer's ear), water exposure directly irritates the infected ear canal and can worsen pain and swelling.
Key Takeaways
- Active ear infections should keep you out of the water until symptoms are gone and your doctor clears you to return.
- Otitis media (middle ear) and otitis externa (outer ear) both worsen with water exposure, though for different reasons.
- Even after symptoms fade, the ear may still be healing internally, so waiting for medical clearance is safer than guessing.
- If you swim regularly, ear plugs and keeping water out of your ears during daily activities can help prevent future infections.
How water makes ear infections worse
When you have an outer ear infection, the skin lining your ear canal is already inflamed and raw. Water—whether from a pool, ocean, or shower—irritates this tissue further and can introduce bacteria or fungi that worsen the infection. The moisture also creates an environment where bacteria multiply faster.
With a middle ear infection, the problem is different. Your middle ear sits behind the eardrum and normally drains through the Eustachian tube. During an infection, that tube is swollen and blocked, trapping fluid. Water pressure from swimming or diving can increase pressure in the middle ear or, if the eardrum has ruptured, allow water to enter the middle ear space itself. This delays drainage and healing.
When it is safe to return to swimming
You can return to swimming once your symptoms are completely gone and your doctor has examined your ear. "Symptoms are gone" means no pain, no discharge, no hearing changes, and no itching. This usually takes 7 to 14 days for outer ear infections and 2 to 3 weeks for middle ear infections, though timelines vary.
Do not rely on feeling better alone. Some infections improve on the surface while healing is still happening inside. Your doctor can look inside your ear with an otoscope to confirm the infection has cleared and the eardrum is intact. If your eardrum ruptured during the infection, you may need to wait longer or use special precautions before swimming.
Protecting your ears if you swim frequently
If you swim regularly, preventing ear infections in the first place is easier than treating them. After swimming or showering, dry your ears thoroughly. Tilt your head to each side and gently pull your earlobe to let water drain, then use a soft cloth or towel to dry the outer ear.
Wear custom or over-the-counter ear plugs designed to keep water out. Silicone putty-style plugs work well for many people and are inexpensive. If you are prone to swimmer's ear, ask your doctor about preventive ear drops—some people use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar after water exposure to dry the ear canal and prevent bacterial growth.
Avoid inserting objects into your ear to clean it, including cotton swabs. This can damage the skin lining and create openings for infection. If you feel water is trapped in your ear, let it drain naturally or see a doctor rather than trying to remove it yourself.
What to do if you get water in your ear during an infection
If you accidentally get water in your ear while you have an infection, do not panic. Tilt your head to the affected side and gently pull your earlobe to help water drain. You can also use a clean cloth to absorb water from the outer ear opening.
Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. If pain increases or discharge changes, contact your doctor. They may want to examine your ear to make sure the infection has not worsened or the eardrum has not ruptured.
Eardrum rupture and swimming
If your eardrum ruptured during an infection, you will need extra care before swimming. A ruptured eardrum usually heals on its own within a few weeks, but during that time water can enter the middle ear and cause another infection. Your doctor will tell you when the eardrum has fully healed by looking inside your ear.
Until then, you can still shower, but you should keep water out of your ear. Use a cotton ball coated lightly with petroleum jelly in your ear opening, or wear a custom earplug designed for this purpose. Swimming and diving should wait until your doctor confirms the eardrum is sealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim in a pool if I have an ear infection?
No. Pool water, even chlorinated, can worsen an active infection and delay healing. Wait until your symptoms are completely gone and your doctor has cleared you to return to the water.
Is salt water better than chlorine for an infected ear?
Neither is safe during an active infection. Both can irritate inflamed tissue and introduce bacteria. The salt content does not make ocean water safer for an infected ear than a pool.
How long after an ear infection can I swim?
This depends on the type and severity of your infection. Most outer ear infections clear in 7 to 14 days; middle ear infections take 2 to 3 weeks or longer. Your doctor can examine your ear to confirm it has healed before you return to swimming.
What if I have a ruptured eardrum?
A ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment. Until it is fully sealed, keep water out of your ear during showers and avoid swimming. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to return to water activities.
Can I wear ear plugs if I have an ear infection?
Ear plugs can trap moisture and heat in the ear canal, which may make an outer ear infection worse. Wait until your infection has cleared before wearing them. Once healed, plugs are a good way to prevent future infections.