Ear Infection Health Center

Swimmer's Ear Costs U.S. Half a Billion Yearly

Swimmer's Ear: Perspective

The statistic of 2.4 million visits a year for swimmer's ear is surprising, says Thomas J Balkany, MD, Hotchkiss Professor and director of the University of Miami Ear Institute.

He reviewed the report for WebMD. "In my clinical experience, this appears to be a high number," he says.

He does agree that swimmers can reduce their risk.

He also recommends the 1-1 rubbing alcohol and white vinegar treatment, under certain conditions. "Don't use anything in the ear unless a doctor has told you the ear is normal," he says. Those with ear tubes or a possible hole in the eardrum should not use the mixture, he says.

For others, the remedy can help, he says. The alcohol has a drying effect, and the vinegar is acidic enough to change the environment of the ear canal so bacteria have a difficult time growing.

How to tell if you may need attention for swimmer's ear? "Place your index finger in the opening of the ear canal and your thumb behind the ear. Firmly but gently move the cartilage back and forth," Balkany says. If that hurts, he says, it could be swimmer's ear.

The typical treatment is antibiotic ear drops.