DefinitionSwimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Chronic swimmer's ear occurs when the condition does not go away or comes back multiple times.See also: Swimmer's ear - acuteAlternative NamesEar infection - outer ear - chronic; Otitis externa - chronicCauses, incidence, and risk factorsSwimmer's ear (otitis externa) is fairly common.Swimming in polluted water is one way to get swimmer's ear. Moisture makes the ear more prone to infection from water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Other bacteria, or fungi (in rare cases) can also cause infection.Other causes include:Disease of the bone (malignant otitis externa)Having an object stuck in the earInadequate treatmentScratching the earSymptomsEar pain -- may get worse if you pull on the outs