Short answer: The most common ear infection Cabo visitors get is swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), an infection of the ear canal caused by water from pools and the ocean. It typically causes pain when you pull the earlobe, itching, a blocked feeling and sometimes discharge. Keep the ear dry, do not put cotton swabs or objects inside and see a doctor, who can examine the ear and prescribe ear drops if needed. Get urgent care for high fever, swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, severe dizziness or sudden hearing loss.
Days of snorkeling, surfing, pool time and hot, humid weather make ear problems a very common reason travelers look for a doctor in Los Cabos. The pain can be surprisingly strong and can make sleeping and flying miserable. This guide explains the difference between swimmer’s ear and a middle ear infection, what helps, what to avoid and when you need emergency care. It is general information, not a diagnosis. Our team can check your ear at our walk-in clinic in Cabo San Lucas or at your hotel.
Ear infection Cabo: swimmer’s ear or middle ear?
There are two main kinds of ear infection, and they are handled differently. A doctor needs to look inside the ear to tell them apart, but the pattern of symptoms gives clues:
| Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) | Middle ear infection (otitis media) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Ear canal, outside the eardrum | Behind the eardrum |
| Common trigger | Water trapped in the ear, scratching, earbuds | Often follows a cold or sinus congestion |
| Typical signs | Pain when touching or pulling the ear, itching, redness, discharge | Deep ear pain, pressure, muffled hearing, sometimes fever |
| Who gets it | Swimmers, surfers, divers of all ages | More common in young children |
| Usual care | Doctor may prescribe medicated ear drops | Pain relief; doctor decides if antibiotics are needed |
The NHS notes that many ear infections improve on their own within a few days, while swimmer’s ear often needs ear drops to clear. You can read more on the NHS ear infections page.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear
Swimmer’s ear usually starts mild and can get worse over a few days if water keeps getting in. Watch for:
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Pain that gets worse when you pull on the outer ear or press the small flap in front of it
- Redness and swelling of the canal
- Clear, cloudy or yellow fluid draining from the ear
- A full or blocked feeling and muffled hearing
- Swollen, tender glands around the ear or upper neck in more advanced cases
Why Cabo vacations trigger it
Water that stays in the ear canal softens the skin and washes away the protective wax, which lets bacteria grow. Long days in pools and the ocean, heat, sweat and scratching the ear with fingers, towels or cotton swabs all add up. People with eczema, narrow ear canals or who wear earbuds or hearing aids may be more prone.
What you can do now
While you arrange to see a doctor, these steps can make you more comfortable and stop it getting worse:
- Keep the ear dry. Take a break from swimming and diving. In the shower, a cotton ball lightly coated with petroleum jelly at the opening of the ear can help keep water out.
- Do not put anything inside the ear. Avoid cotton swabs, fingers, hairpins and earbuds, which can damage the irritated skin.
- Use pain relief if it is safe for you. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you take other medicines, are pregnant or are treating a child.
- Use a warm cloth held against the outer ear for comfort.
- Avoid home remedies such as oils, garlic or hydrogen peroxide, and do not use over-the-counter drops if fluid is leaking or you might have a hole in your eardrum.
How a doctor treats it
A doctor looks into the ear with an otoscope to check the canal and the eardrum. If the canal is very swollen or blocked with debris, it may be gently cleaned. Swimmer’s ear is often treated with prescription ear drops, sometimes combined with medicine to reduce swelling. Oral antibiotics are not usually needed for uncomplicated swimmer’s ear. For middle ear infections, a doctor evaluates the case and decides whether antibiotics are appropriate. In every case, the doctor evaluates you and prescribes; please do not start leftover or borrowed antibiotics.
If you would rather rest in your room, our house call doctor can examine your ear at your hotel or villa, and our pharmacy delivery can bring the prescribed drops to you.
When an ear problem needs urgent or emergency care
Most ear infections are painful but not dangerous. Get medical care quickly, and go to emergency care or call 911 for the most serious signs:
- High fever, or you feel very unwell
- Swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear, or the ear sticking out
- Weakness or drooping of one side of the face
- Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or unusual drowsiness
- Severe dizziness, loss of balance or sudden hearing loss
- Pain that spreads rapidly, or redness spreading onto the face or neck
- Symptoms in someone with diabetes or a weak immune system, who can develop more serious infections
- Ear pain after a diving incident, a blow to the head or a loud blast
For what to do in a serious situation, read our guide to a medical emergency in Cabo as a tourist or see our emergency care in Cabo page.
Flying home with an ear infection
Changes in cabin pressure can make ear pain worse, particularly with a middle ear infection or congestion. Ask the doctor whether it is reasonable for you to fly, and what can help during takeoff and landing, such as swallowing, yawning or chewing gum. Do not delay seeing a doctor until you get home if the pain is severe or getting worse.
How to prevent swimmer’s ear on your trip
- Tilt your head and gently pull the earlobe to drain water after swimming.
- Dry the outer ear with a towel, or use a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting held well away from the ear.
- Consider well-fitting swim earplugs or a swim cap if you are prone to ear infections.
- Do not clean inside the ear canal with cotton swabs; some wax is protective.
- Ask a doctor before using any drying drops, especially if you have ear tubes or have had a perforated eardrum.
If a child in your group has ear pain or a fever, or you are caring for an older relative, contact a doctor early. Children and older adults can get sicker faster, and a quick exam can save a ruined vacation.
Ear pain after swimming in Cabo? Message our team on WhatsApp at +52 624 409 5065. Tell us your symptoms and where you are staying, and we will help you get seen. In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear often causes itching, pain when you pull the outer ear, redness and sometimes discharge after time in the water. A doctor can confirm it by looking inside the ear.
Can I keep swimming with an ear infection?
It is best to keep the ear dry until it heals. Ask your doctor when it is safe to swim again.
Do I need antibiotics for an ear infection in Cabo?
Not always. Swimmer’s ear is often treated with prescription ear drops, and some middle ear infections clear on their own. A doctor evaluates you and prescribes what is appropriate.
Can I fly with an ear infection?
Many people can, but pressure changes may increase pain. Ask a doctor before your flight, especially if you have congestion or severe pain.
When is ear pain an emergency?
Seek urgent care for high fever, swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe dizziness or sudden hearing loss.