Swimming is not safe during an active ear infection
You should not swim while you have an ear infection. Water entering your ear can worsen the infection, delay healing, and in some cases cause the infection to spread deeper into the ear canal or middle ear. The risk applies whether the infection is bacterial or viral, and whether it started from swimming or another cause.
The specific danger depends on where the infection is. If you have swimmer's ear (an infection of the outer ear canal), water exposure directly irritates the infected tissue and can push bacteria deeper. If you have a middle ear infection, water pressure changes during swimming can force fluid or bacteria through the eustachian tube, worsening pain and potentially causing complications.
Key Takeaways
- Water exposure during an ear infection can worsen the infection and extend how long you stay sick.
- Swimmer's ear and middle ear infections both require you to keep water out until the infection clears.
- You can usually return to swimming once pain and drainage have stopped and your doctor confirms the infection is gone.
- Earplugs and a swim cap do not reliably keep water out during swimming, though they may help during showers.
- If you swim frequently, preventing swimmer's ear with ear drops after water exposure is more effective than treating it after it starts.
How water makes swimmer's ear worse
Swimmer's ear starts when water stays in your ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria grow. If you already have this infection and expose your ear to more water, you are adding moisture to an area that is already inflamed and infected. The water can push bacteria deeper into the canal, increase swelling, and make drainage harder.
Even small amounts of water matter. Showering, washing your hair, or getting splashed can introduce water into an infected ear. This is why people with active swimmer's ear are often told to keep their ears dry during all water activities, not just swimming.
Why middle ear infections also require staying dry
A middle ear infection sits behind your eardrum, in a space normally filled with air. Pressure changes during swimming—from diving, jumping in, or even the physical act of moving through water—can force fluid or bacteria through the eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to your throat. This can increase pain, cause new fluid buildup, or allow the infection to spread.
Middle ear infections are also more likely to have a hole or perforation in the eardrum, especially if there has been drainage. Water entering through a perforated eardrum can reach the middle ear directly, which carries a higher risk of serious complications. Your doctor can tell you whether your eardrum is intact.
When it is safe to swim again
You can return to swimming once the infection has fully cleared. For swimmer's ear, this usually means the ear canal is no longer painful, there is no drainage, and the skin inside the ear looks normal on examination. For middle ear infections, it means the fluid has drained, your hearing has returned to normal, and your doctor has confirmed the eardrum is healed if there was a perforation.
Do not rely on how you feel as the only measure. An infection can feel better while still being active. Ask your doctor directly whether it is safe to swim, rather than guessing based on pain level. Most ear infections clear within one to three weeks with treatment, though some take longer.
Earplugs and caps: what actually works
Earplugs and swim caps reduce water entry but do not eliminate it completely. During swimming—especially with diving, jumping, or vigorous movement—water can still reach the ear canal around the edges of earplugs or under a cap. For this reason, they are not considered reliable protection during an active infection.
Earplugs and caps may help during showers or baths, where water pressure is lower and movement is minimal. If you use them, choose earplugs designed for swimming (silicone or foam that molds to your ear) rather than foam earplugs meant for noise. Coat them lightly with petroleum jelly to improve the seal. Still, keeping your ear as dry as possible is the safest approach during active infection.
Preventing swimmer's ear if you swim often
If you swim regularly and have had swimmer's ear before, prevention is more effective than waiting for infection to develop. After swimming or water exposure, dry your ears thoroughly by tilting your head to each side and gently pulling your earlobe to straighten the canal. You can also use a clean towel or hair dryer on low heat held at a distance.
Many swimmers use preventive ear drops after water exposure. These typically contain a mixture of alcohol and acetic acid (vinegar), which dries the ear and creates an environment where bacteria cannot grow. Common over-the-counter versions include Swim-Ear and similar products. Use them according to package directions after any water exposure. If you have a perforated eardrum or tubes in your ears, ask your doctor which drops are safe for you.
What to do if you get water in your ear during infection
If water enters your ear while you have an infection, dry it as soon as possible. Tilt your head to the affected side and gently pull your earlobe to open the canal. You can use a clean towel, tissue, or a hair dryer on the lowest setting held several inches away. Do not insert anything into your ear canal, including cotton swabs, which can push water deeper or damage the skin.
If pain increases or drainage worsens after water exposure, contact your doctor. You may need additional treatment or a change in your current medication. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a bath or shower with an ear infection?
You can shower or bathe, but keep water out of your infected ear. Tilt your head away from the water stream, use earplugs, or place a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in your ear. Be careful when washing your hair. If water does enter your ear, dry it immediately by tilting your head and gently pulling your earlobe.
How long do I have to wait after an ear infection clears before swimming?
Wait until your doctor confirms the infection is completely gone and your ear is healed. This usually takes one to three weeks from the start of treatment, but varies depending on the type and severity of infection. Do not swim based on when pain stops—ask your doctor directly.
What if I got the ear infection from swimming in the first place?
The cause does not change the treatment. You still need to keep water out until the infection clears. Once healed, use preventive ear drops after swimming to reduce the chance of it happening again. If you get swimmer's ear repeatedly, talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid swimming in certain environments or use preventive drops routinely.
Is it safe to swim in a pool versus the ocean or a lake?
The risk is the same regardless of water source. Chlorinated pools, salt water, and fresh water can all worsen an active ear infection. The type of water does not matter—keeping water out is what matters.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar drops to treat an ear infection myself?
Do not self-treat an ear infection with drops or home remedies without your doctor's guidance. Different types of ear infections need different treatments. Using the wrong drops can make infection worse, especially if your eardrum is perforated. See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment instructions.