Swimmer’s Ear in Croatia: What Tourists in Split Should Know
Pain, itching or a blocked sensation after swimming in the Adriatic Sea may indicate irritation or infection of the outer ear canal. Learn how to recognise the symptoms and when to visit an ENT doctor in Split.
What is swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal—the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum.
Water that remains inside the ear canal after swimming can create a moist environment that encourages irritation and the growth of microorganisms. The risk may be greater during a warm, humid summer and after repeated swimming.
The condition is different from a middle ear infection, which develops behind the eardrum. Because several ear problems can produce similar symptoms, the cause cannot be reliably determined without examining the ear.
The private clinic of Mr.sc. Dragan Kurtović, MD provides ENT examinations for tourists, adults and children in Split.
How swimmer’s ear can develop
Moisture is a common trigger, but damage or irritation of the delicate skin inside the ear canal can also increase the risk.
Water remains in the ear
Water trapped in the ear canal after swimming can soften and irritate the skin and create a favourable environment for infection.
The skin becomes irritated
Scratching the ear or using cotton swabs and other objects can damage the skin that normally protects the ear canal.
Symptoms become noticeable
Itching or mild irritation may be followed by pain, swelling, discharge or a blocked sensation in the affected ear.
What does swimmer’s ear feel like?
Symptoms can begin gradually and become more uncomfortable if the inflammation progresses. Swimmer’s ear often affects one ear, although this is not always the case.
- Pain inside the ear
- Pain when touching the outer ear
- Itching in the ear canal
- Redness or swelling
- Fluid or discharge
- A blocked or full sensation
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- Increasing discomfort
What can increase the risk?
Swimming itself is not the only factor. The combination of moisture, irritation and damage to the skin of the ear canal can make inflammation more likely.
Frequent swimming
Repeated exposure to water may prevent the ear canal from drying fully between swims.
Warm and humid weather
Hot summer conditions may contribute to inflammation of the outer ear canal.
Cotton swabs
Inserting objects into the ear may scratch the skin or push earwax further inside.
Irritating products
Shampoo, soap, sprays or unverified ear preparations can irritate sensitive skin.
How to reduce the risk after swimming
Keeping the ears dry and avoiding damage to the ear canal can help reduce the likelihood of swimmer’s ear.
Recommended
- Gently dry the outer ear with a clean towel.
- Tilt your head so the affected ear faces downward and allow water to drain naturally.
- Keep the ears as dry as possible between swims.
- Consider suitable swimming ear protection when advised by a medical professional.
- Seek an examination if pain, discharge or hearing changes develop.
Avoid
- Do not insert cotton swabs, fingers or other objects into the ear canal.
- Do not continue swimming when the ear is painful or producing discharge.
- Do not use leftover prescription ear drops.
- Do not place oils or home preparations into the ear without professional advice.
- Do not attempt to remove deeply positioned earwax yourself.
How is swimmer’s ear assessed?
The doctor examines the ear and selects treatment according to the appearance of the ear canal, eardrum and surrounding structures.
Discussing the symptoms
The doctor asks when the problem began, whether you have been swimming and whether pain, discharge, itching or hearing changes are present.
Examining the ear
The ear canal and eardrum are inspected for inflammation, swelling, discharge, earwax or another possible cause of the symptoms.
Treatment advice
The recommended treatment and instructions for keeping the ear dry depend on the examination findings and the individual patient.
When should you contact an ENT doctor?
Arrange an examination when pain is persistent or increasing, when there is discharge, swelling or reduced hearing, or when symptoms are affecting a child. Sudden significant hearing loss requires prompt medical assessment.
- Severe or increasing pain
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
- Reduced or changed hearing
- Visible swelling or redness
- Fever or feeling significantly unwell
- Dizziness or balance problems
Swimmer’s ear during a holiday in Split
Practical answers for visitors experiencing ear symptoms after swimming in Croatia.
Is swimmer’s ear the same as a middle ear infection?
No. Swimmer’s ear affects the outer ear canal, while a middle ear infection develops behind the eardrum. The correct diagnosis requires examination of the ear.
Can swimming in the sea cause swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear can develop after swimming in the sea, a pool or another body of water when moisture remains in the ear canal and the protective skin becomes irritated.
Can I continue swimming if my ear hurts?
It is sensible to keep a painful, irritated or discharging ear dry until it has been examined and you have received individual medical advice.
Should I use ear drops from a pharmacy?
Ear drops should not be selected solely on the basis of symptoms. The doctor should first determine the cause and assess the condition of the ear canal and eardrum.
Can tourists book an ENT examination in Split?
Yes. Tourists and international visitors can contact ORL Ordinacija Kurtović directly to ask about the earliest available appointment.
Can children be examined for swimmer’s ear?
Yes. The clinic provides ENT examinations for adults and children. Mention the child’s age and symptoms when contacting the clinic.
Where is the ENT clinic located?
ORL Ordinacija Kurtović is located at Biokovska 4, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Is ear pain preventing you from enjoying the Adriatic?
Contact the private ENT clinic of Mr.sc. Dragan Kurtović, describe your symptoms and ask about the earliest available examination in Split.