Swollen Ear: What's causing you swollen ear and what can you do about it?

Swollen Ear

What's causing it and what you can do about it

Overview    |    What actually happens    |    Common causes   |    Treating the problem    |    When to get help    |    Prevention    |    Conclusion 

Last Hearing Aid UK Update:  30/12/2025

Overview

If you've woken up with a swollen ear or noticed increasing discomfort over a few days, you're right to look into what might be causing it. Ear swelling isn't something to ignore, though it's also not necessarily a cause for immediate panic.

Swollen ears can happen for all sorts of reasons, from something as simple as an insect bite to infections that need proper medical attention.

The swelling might affect the outer part of your ear that you can see and touch, or it could be happening inside your ear canal, where you can't see it but can certainly feel it.

The good news is that most causes of ear swelling are treatable, and understanding what's happening is the first step towards sorting it out.

What actually happens when your ears swell

When your ear swells, it's usually your body's way of responding to something that's irritated or infected the tissue. The swelling itself is inflammation, which is your immune system sending extra blood flow and fluid to the area to deal with whatever problem it's detected.

You might notice several things happening alongside the swelling, such as pain, ranging from a dull ache to sharp discomfort, particularly when you touch the affected area.

The swollen part of your ear might look red and feel warm to the touch. Some people experience persistent itching, which can be frustrating but shouldn't be scratched, as this usually makes things worse.

If the swelling is in your ear canal rather than the outer ear, you might notice your hearing has become muffled in that ear. This happens because the swollen tissue partially blocks the passage of sound.

You might also see discharge, anything from clear fluid to pus, which is generally a sign of infection.

In some cases, particularly with infections, you might develop a fever alongside the ear swelling. This is your body's broader response to fighting off whatever's causing the problem.

Related reading:  Why are my ears itchy?

Common causes of swollen ears

The cause of your swollen ear depends largely on which part of your ear is affected. Here are the usual suspects:

Auricular haematoma

This is what happens when blood collects under the skin of your outer ear, typically after some kind of knock or injury. If you play contact sports like rugby or boxing, you've probably seen this before; it's what leads to "cauliflower ear" if left untreated.

The blood pools between the cartilage and the skin, creating a swollen, often purple-looking bump.

The important thing with auricular haematomas is not to leave them. Whilst they might not be particularly painful, the blood can damage the cartilage if it sits there too long, leading to permanent deformity.

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)

Despite the name, you don't need to be a swimmer to get swimmer's ear, though spending time in the water certainly increases your risk. This is an infection of your ear canal, usually bacterial but sometimes fungal, that develops when water sits in your ear for too long.

The warm, moist environment is perfect for bacteria or fungi to multiply, leading to inflammation, swelling, and often quite significant pain. Your ear canal might feel itchy before it becomes painful, and you might notice discharge.

Cellulitis

This is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue beneath it. When it affects your ear, you'll see redness, swelling, and tenderness that might spread beyond just the initial area. Cellulitis needs antibiotic treatment, as it's not something that resolves on its own.

Allergic reactions

Your ears can swell in response to allergens, most commonly from jewellery. Nickel is a frequent culprit; many people develop sensitivity to it over time, even if they've worn nickel-containing earrings for years without problems.

Insect bites can also cause swelling around your ears, and depending on the type of insect and your individual reaction, this can range from mild puffiness to quite dramatic swelling.

Abscesses

An abscess is essentially a pocket of pus that's formed in response to infection. In your ear, this creates localised swelling, pain, and sometimes fever. Abscesses generally need to be drained by a healthcare professional, as they rarely resolve without intervention.

Piercing-related swelling

If you've recently had your ears pierced, some swelling is normal for the first few days, which should gradually improve with proper aftercare. If it doesn't settle or if it gets worse, you might have developed an infection or be reacting to the jewellery material.

Treating the problem of a swollen ear

How you treat your swollen ear depends on what's causing it. Here's what typically works:

For outer ear swelling

If the swelling is on your earlobe or the outer part of your ear, there are several things you can do at home.

A cold compress works well, such as wrapping an ice pack in a cloth and holding it against the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. This reduces both swelling and discomfort.

Keep the area clean by washing gently with mild soap and water. If you have piercings, remove any earrings until the swelling subsides, as leaving them in can make things worse.

When you're sleeping, try propping yourself up on a couple of pillows to keep your head elevated above the rest of your body. This reduces blood flow to the swollen area, which can help bring the swelling down.

If you've tried these approaches for a few days and the swelling hasn't improved, or if it's accompanied by severe pain, fever, or discharge, it's time to see your local GP. These signs suggest you need more than home treatment.

For ear canal swelling

Swelling inside your ear canal is trickier to manage because you can't see what's happening, and you can't apply compresses to it.

If you suspect swimmer's ear or another infection causing canal swelling, over-the-counter ear drops designed for swimmer's ear can help, though prescription drops from your doctor are often more effective.

The most important thing you can do is keep your ear dry. Avoid getting water in it whilst it's healing, this means being careful in the shower and absolutely no swimming.

Some people find it helps to gently place a piece of cotton wool in the outer ear whilst showering to keep water out.

A warm compress held against the outside of your ear can help with pain and may encourage drainage if there's fluid building up. Unlike outer ear swelling, where you use a cold compress, warmth is generally more soothing for ear canal problems.

Whatever you do, resist the temptation to stick anything into your ear canal, so no cotton buds, no fingernails, or bobby pins.

It's understandable, the itching and discomfort make you want to do something, but inserting objects can push the infection deeper, damage your ear canal, or even perforate your eardrum.

If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or get worse despite home treatment, see your doctor. You may need prescription antibiotics or antifungal medication.

When to get help

Whilst many cases of ear swelling can be managed at home, there are times when professional help is necessary. See your doctor if the swelling hasn't improved after three days of home treatment.

Persistent or severe pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relievers warrants medical attention. This is particularly true if the pain is getting worse rather than better.

Signs of infection can be a fever, increasing redness spreading beyond the initial area, warmth, or any discharge from your ear, mean you need antibiotics.

Don't wait to see if these symptoms improve on their own; infections in and around your ears can spread and become more serious if left untreated.

If you're experiencing any hearing loss alongside the swelling, get this checked promptly. Whilst temporary hearing changes can happen with ear canal swelling, you want to make sure nothing more serious is happening.

Related reading:  Ear infections

Preventing a swollen ear

Good ear hygiene goes a long way, this means not sticking things into your ear canal, even if it itches. Your ears are largely self-cleaning, and interfering with this process often causes more problems than it solves.

After swimming or showering, tilt your head to each side to help water drain out naturally. Some people find it helpful to gently dry the outer ear with a towel.

If you work in noisy environments or attend concerts regularly, wear proper ear protection. Damage to your ears from loud noise can make them more susceptible to problems, including infections that lead to swelling.

Manage any allergies you have, and if you know you react to certain metals, choose hypoallergenic jewellery materials. Surgical steel, titanium, or gold are generally safe choices.

If you do develop an ear infection, treat it promptly and completely. Finishing the full course of any prescribed antibiotics is important, even if you feel better before they're finished. Incompletely treated infections can return and potentially become more resistant to treatment.

Regular check-ups with a GP, particularly if you've had ear problems in the past, can help catch potential issues before they become significant. 

Key takeaways

✔️ Swollen ears can be caused by trauma, infections, allergies, or other factors - identifying the cause is important for proper treatment.

✔️ Watch for signs of infection, including fever, increasing redness, discharge, or persistent pain - these require medical attention.

✔️ For outer ear swelling, use cold compresses and keep the area clean; for ear canal swelling, keep the ear dry and consider warm compresses for pain relief.

✔️ Never insert objects into your ear canal, no matter how much it itches - this usually makes things worse and can cause injury.

✔️ See a GP if swelling persists beyond three days, if you have signs of infection, or if you're experiencing hearing loss.

✔️ Prevention through good ear hygiene, proper drying after water exposure, and prompt treatment of infections can help you avoid ear swelling problems.

✔️ Bottom line: Most ear swelling is treatable, but don't ignore persistent symptoms or signs that things are getting worse rather than better.

Conclusion

Swollen ears are uncomfortable and can be concerning, but understanding what's causing the swelling is the first step towards dealing with it effectively. The treatment you need depends entirely on what's causing the problem; that's why identifying the underlying cause matters.

Most cases of ear swelling respond well to treatment, whether that's simple home care or prescription medication from your doctor. The key is not to ignore persistent symptoms or signs of infection.

Your ears are delicate structures, and whilst they're remarkably good at healing, they sometimes need help to do so properly.

Good ear hygiene and sensible precautions can prevent many cases of ear swelling before they start. If you're prone to ear problems or work in environments that put your ears at risk, being proactive about protection and care makes a real difference.