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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that may increase your risk of swimmer's ear include:
- Swimming
- Swimming in water with higher bacteria levels, such as a lake rather than a well-maintained pool
- Small ear canal, such as a child's ear canal, that can trap water more easily
- Excessive earwax that traps water in the ear canal
- Excessive cleaning of the ear canal
- Scraping or scratching of the ear canal with objects, such as cotton swabs
- Devices that may trap water, such as a hearing aid or swim cap
- Skin allergies from jewelry or other allergic agents
- Skin irritation from hair spray or hair dyes
References
- Osguthorpe JD, et al. Otitis externa: Review and clinical update. American Family Physician. 2006;74(9):1510-1516.
- Ruckenstein M. Infections of the external ear. In: Cummings C, et al., eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier/Mosely; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/102996601-2/0/1263/1195.html?tocnode=49546210&fromURL=1195.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01985-4..X5001-1--part11_5058. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Grunstein E, et al. Diseases of the external ear. In: Lalwani A, ed. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2829939. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Goguen L. External otitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
