Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal that can be caused by exposure to water—hence the name. It’s a common condition for swimmers and those who spend a lot of time around water. Here are 14 steps to help you identify the signs and symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

1. Pain in the ear: One of the most common symptoms of swimmer’s ear is pain or discomfort in one or both ears. It may begin as a mild ache but can become more intense if left untreated.

2. Tenderness when touching the ear: Gently press on your outer ear, called the auricle, and notice any unusual tenderness or discomfort.

3. Redness: Swimmer’s ear can cause redness and inflammation of the outer portion of your ear, as well as in the canal.

4. Itching: Persistent itching inside or around the ear can often signal an infection.

5. Temporary hearing loss: Difficulty hearing clearly could be a sign of excess fluid in the ear canal from swimmer’s ear.

6. Fullness or pressure in the ear: When you have swimmer’s ear, you might experience a feeling of fullness or pressure inside your affected ear(s).

7. Swelling: As swimmer’s ear progresses, it may cause your ear canal to become swollen and uncomfortable.

8. Fluid discharge: Some individuals might notice clear or yellowish pus-like fluid draining from their infected ears.

9. Flakes or crustiness around the opening: Dry skin and crusting around the edge of your afflicted canal could mean you have swimmer’s ear.

10. Temporarily worsened pain when pulling on your outer ear: If pulling on your auricle results in severe pain or discomfort, this could also be a sign of otitis externa.

11. Pain when moving your head: Extreme discomfort while moving your head, like when turning it from side to side or nodding, can be an indicator.

12. Jaw stiffness: In more advanced cases of swimmer’s ear, you might experience stiffness in your jaw as the infection spreads to the nearby area.

13. Swollen lymph nodes: Check for swollen lymph nodes around your neck and behind your ear—an infection could cause them to enlarge.

14. Fever: Although less common, a fever may occur if the infection becomes more severe.

If you suspect that you’re experiencing swimmer’s ear, consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may prescribe antibiotic ear drops or other medication to help alleviate the infection and manage symptoms. Preventative measures include wearing earplugs while swimming and drying your ears properly after water exposure.