Ear Pain After Swimming in Croatia? Swimmer’s Ear and When to See a Doctor

Why can an ear hurt after swimming?

You spend the day swimming, return to your apartment or hotel, and a few hours later your ear begins to ache.

During a summer holiday, this is a common enough problem that many travellers immediately wonder whether seawater has caused an ear infection.

One possible cause is swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa. It affects the outer ear canal. Water that remains in the canal can contribute to a moist environment in which bacteria can multiply.

However, ear pain after swimming does not automatically mean swimmer’s ear. Middle-ear infections, trapped earwax, irritation, and other problems can cause similar discomfort, which is why an examination matters when symptoms are significant.

Common symptoms of swimmer’s ear

Possible symptoms include:

• ear pain
• pain or tenderness when the outer ear is touched or pulled
• itching inside the ear canal
• redness
• swelling
• fluid or discharge from the ear
• a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear

Symptoms may begin mildly and become more uncomfortable over time.

If the pain is increasing, the ear is visibly swollen, or fluid is coming from the ear, it is a good idea to arrange a medical examination rather than waiting for the problem to resolve on its own.

What should you avoid doing?

When an ear feels blocked after swimming, it can be tempting to try to clean or dry it manually.

Avoid putting cotton swabs, keys, hairpins, fingers, or other objects deep into the ear canal.

These can irritate the delicate skin inside the ear, push earwax or debris further inside, and sometimes make the problem worse.

You should also be careful with ear drops if you already have significant ear pain or discharge.

Some ear-drying products should not be used if there may be a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or certain other ear conditions. If you are unsure, it is better to have the ear examined first.

Ear pain in children on holiday

Young children may not describe ear pain clearly.

They may become irritable, sleep poorly, pull at the ear, or resist having the ear touched.

Because swimmer’s ear and middle-ear infections affect different parts of the ear, looking into the ear is often important before deciding on treatment.

At CissaMed, our team provides medical assessment for both children and adults.

When should you see a doctor?

Consider arranging an examination if:

• the pain is moderate or severe
• the pain is getting worse
• symptoms continue instead of improving
• there is fluid or discharge from the ear
• the ear or surrounding area appears swollen
• hearing feels noticeably reduced
• a child is clearly uncomfortable or unwell
• you are simply unsure what is causing the pain

At CissaMed, doctors can examine the ear canal and eardrum and decide whether treatment is needed. Prescription can be issued when a medicine is medically indicated after the examination.

Should you keep swimming?

If an ear infection is diagnosed, your doctor may advise a break from swimming while the ear heals.

Follow the advice given after the examination rather than testing the ear repeatedly in the sea as soon as the pain improves.

Where can you get an ear checked in Novalja?

If your ear starts hurting during your holiday, you do not necessarily need to wait until you return home to have it checked.

CissaMed is a private medical clinic located in central Novalja. You can call before coming or visit the clinic directly, no advance appointment is necessary during our opening hours.