Which condition is most often caused by swimming pool water?

• A. Otitis media
• B. Otitis externa
• C. Conductive hearing loss
• D. Cerumen impaction

Answer: (B)

Water left in the external ear canal after swimming creates a consistently moist, irritated environment that can break down the protective skin of the canal. This makes it easier for bacteria, especially Pseudomonas, to invade and cause an infection of the outer ear — otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. The typical signs are ear pain, itching, a sense of fullness, and sometimes discharge; hearing may be mildly affected if swelling blocks the canal. Otitis media involves the middle ear and usually follows a viral upper respiratory infection with Eustachian tube dysfunction, not direct water exposure. Cerumen impaction is a wax buildup that can obstruct the canal but isn’t caused by swimming water. Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss from problems in the outer or middle ear; while an outer ear infection can affect conduction, the scenario described is most characteristic of otitis externa.