What Happens If You Don't Treat Swimmer's Ear? - Health Digest

Without proper treatment, a case of swimmer's ear can lead to repeated ear infections or hearing loss (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). The spread of infection may also impact neighboring tissue, nerves, or the brain. In severe cases, bone or cartilage damage may occur. Additionally, the condition could progress into a deep tissue infection known as cellulitis (per UNC Health Talk).

Treatment for otitis externa often entails the use of pain medication as well as antibiotic or corticosteroid ear drops, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. With proper physician treatment, swimmer's ear usually heals within a week to 10 days. To help protect against swimmer's ear, experts suggest utilizing ear plugs while in the water. Afterward, tilt your head from one side to the next and lightly tug on your earlobe to help drain the ear of any remaining moisture. Use the outer edges of a soft towel to gently dry the ear. You can also try blow drying your ears. Be sure to use the lowest speed and coolest temperature setting. When doing so, keep the blow dryer moving rather than stationary, and maintain a distance of 1 foot or more from the ear.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests keeping track of disinfectant levels and pH levels in pools and hot tubs to make sure they're safe to swim in. You can do so yourself by using test strips or by consulting with the facility's pool or hot tub operator.