Ear Canal Infection: What It Is, Signs, and How to Treat It

Got a sharp ache inside your ear that won’t quit? You’re probably dealing with an ear canal infection, also called otitis externa. It’s the kind of thing that can turn a normal day into a painful marathon, but the good news is you can often handle it at home and know exactly when to get professional help.

Why the ear canal gets infected

Anything that traps moisture in the ear creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or fungi. Swimmers who spend a lot of time in pools, people who use earbuds or hearing aids, and even folks who hike in humid weather are at higher risk. Scratching the ear, using cotton swabs, or having a small cut inside the canal can also let germs in.

Common culprits include Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus bacteria, plus a fungus called Aspergillus. When these organisms settle in the soft skin lining the ear, inflammation follows, leading to the classic pain and itching.

Spotting the symptoms

Ear canal infection shows up with a few tell‑tale signs. The pain is usually sharp, especially when you pull on your earlobe or wiggle your jaw. You might notice itching, a feeling of fullness, or even a mild ringing. In many cases the skin inside looks red, swollen, and may produce a clear or yellowish discharge.

If the infection spreads, you could feel a low‑grade fever or notice that the pain worsens at night. While most cases stay limited to the outer canal, severe infections can affect the inner ear and lead to dizziness or hearing loss – that’s a cue to call a doctor right away.

Here’s a quick checklist to see if you’re dealing with an ear canal infection:

• Sharp, constant pain in the ear, especially when touching the ear.
• Itching or a crawling sensation inside the ear.
• Red or swollen ear canal skin.
• Clear, brown, or yellow drainage.
• Feeling of fullness or muffled hearing.

If you tick more than a couple of boxes, start treatment right away.

Home care you can try now

For mild cases, over‑the‑counter (OTC) ear drops are often enough. Look for drops that contain a mild steroid plus an antibiotic or an antifungal, depending on what’s causing the infection. Follow the package directions – usually a few drops a couple of times a day for a week.

Keep the ear dry. After showering, gently dry the outer ear with a towel and use a hair dryer on the lowest setting, held a few inches away, to evaporate any lingering moisture. If you swim, consider ear plugs or a swim cap to keep water out.

Avoid inserting anything into the ear, including cotton swabs. If you need to clean debris, a soft washcloth can wipe the outer ear, but never poke inside the canal.

Warm compresses can calm pain. Hold a warm (not hot) washcloth against the ear for 10‑15 minutes, a few times a day. Pain relievers like ibuprofen work well to reduce inflammation.

When to see a professional

If pain doesn’t improve after three days of OTC drops, if you develop fever, drainage becomes thick or foul‑smelling, or you notice hearing loss, schedule a doctor’s visit. A clinician can prescribe stronger prescription drops, take a sample of the discharge for lab testing, and rule out more serious conditions.

People with diabetes, immune‑system issues, or a history of ear surgery should get checked sooner, as their infections can worsen quickly.

Bottom line: ear canal infections are common, treatable, and usually resolve with proper care. Keep your ears dry, steer clear of cotton swabs, and act fast when symptoms appear. If in doubt, a quick appointment can save you a lot of discomfort.