Taking care of your ears is essential for maintaining good health and preventing infections that could lead to hearing loss. One frequent concern is a swollen ear canal, which can be caused by various factors such as infection, allergies, trauma, or earwax buildup. Understanding the underlying causes of ear swelling is important for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Today, we'll explore what causes ear canal swelling and discuss effective prevention and treatment strategies.
There are several reasons why your ear canal might be swollen. Here are some common causes:
Bacterial Infection: Affecting approximately 2.4 million people annually, swimmer’s ear is caused by bacteria and fungus in the ear canal due to trapped moisture. Bacterial or fungal infections can result from frequent swimming, narrow ear canals, high humidity, earbuds, or hearing aids.
Fungal: Fungal infections can also result in swelling. Fungus that lead to infection are candida albicans and various types of Aspergillus. Fungal infections are especially common in patients with diabetes.
Chemicals: Chemicals found in hair dyes, hairsprays, shampoos, or ear drops can cause a swollen ear canal.
Earwax Softeners: Using earwax softeners may lead to swelling because the chemicals used can irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal or they can cause earwax to become impacted.
Injury: A swollen ear canal can result from an injury, such as a direct blow to the ear. This type of trauma is often caused by sports injuries, accidents or assaults.
Excessive Scratching: Scratching the inner walls of the ear canal with your fingers or other objects can lead to swelling.
Cotton Swabs: Cotton swabs are known to push ear wax deeper into the ear canal, which can increase the risk of bacterial buildup and infection.
Foreign Items: Items such as pen caps, hairpins, or pencils can cause swelling due to obstructing your ear canal.
Eczema: Intense itching associated with eczema can increase swelling inside the ear canal.
Acne: Cystic acne, in severe forms, can result in inflamed nodules under the skin, including within the ear canal.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis causes an overproduction of skin cells, which can affect the skin inside the ear canal and contribute to swelling.
In addition to swelling, a swollen ear canal can cause other symptoms, including:
If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, you should see a hearing care professional as soon as possible.. Here are some signs to watch for when experiencing a swollen ear:
In most cases, a swollen ear canal can heal on its own, especially if it's caused by a mild infection. Treatment for a swollen ear canal varies depending on the underlying cause of inflammation and infection. There are several treatment options available:
Medication
In the case of an infection, your medical health care provider may recommend medication.
The most common treatment when experiencing a bacterial infection is antibiotic ear drops that can help manage pain. Doctors may prescribe one of the following:
Your doctor can prescribe antifungal drops in the case of a fungal infection.
Over the counter pain medications, like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), can help reduce mild to moderate pain from infections.
For swollen ear canals caused by allergies, antihistamines can aid in reducing itchiness and inflammation.
To help prevent swelling and possible infection, it’s important to take precautions to protect your ear canal from bacteria and excessive moisture.
Learn more about ear infections
If you're experiencing ear swelling, reach out to a hearing care professional near you.
Request an appointment at a hearing care provider near you.
