Swimmer’s ear is caused by inflammation in the external ear canal. It is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that results when moisture is retained in the ear canal. Because the ear canal has little or no surrounding fat and is close to cartilage and bone, any swelling that occurs with the inflammation will cause pain in the ear. There may also be itching in the ear canal and if the swelling is sufficient to cause the canal to go shut, there will be hearing loss as well.
