Dive Health & Safety
Swimmer's ear: preventing ear infections on a dive holiday
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, common on diving trips because the canal stays wet for days. Early signs are itching, warmth and pain, especially when you pull your earlobe or move your jaw. Dry your ears after diving and don't use cotton buds. Once symptoms start, see a doctor and stop diving until it has cleared.
By 71 Guardians · Published 19 Oct 2026
What are the symptoms?
- Pain, warmth and itching in the ear canal.
- Pain when you move your jaw or gently pull the earlobe.
- Muffled hearing.
- Discharge if early symptoms are ignored for a few days.
How can I prevent it?
- Dry your ears with a towel after diving, tilting your head to drain water.
- A hair dryer on a gentle setting, held at least 30 cm away, can help.
- Don't put cotton buds or ear-wax tools in the ear canal.
- Ask your doctor whether you should use alcohol-based drops after diving.
What should I do if I get it?
Don't ignore early itching or mild pain — it can get worse quickly. See a doctor; treatment usually needs prescription antibiotic ear drops. Don't start preventive drops once you have symptoms, and don't dive until your doctor says it has resolved.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep diving with swimmer's ear?
DAN advises not until a doctor confirms it has resolved — diving keeps the canal wet and perpetuates it.
Are cotton buds OK?
No — DAN advises keeping objects such as cotton swabs out of the ear canal.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
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- Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) — Divers Alert Network (DAN)