It Otitis externa is a painful outer ear infection that can make work, sleep, and everyday life miserable, especially if you are active, sweat a lot, or spend time in the water. Sabuche Health offers fast, discreet telehealth visits so men 18 and older can get relief from otitis externa from home, with treatment and prescriptions when appropriate.

What is otitis externa?

Otitis externa is an infection and inflammation of the skin of the outer ear canal, often called swimmer’s ear. It usually happens when water, sweat, or irritation damages the ear canal’s natural protection and lets germs grow.

Unlike a middle ear infection, otitis externa affects the tunnel that runs from the outside of your ear to the eardrum. The most common germs are bacteria, but sometimes yeast or fungus can also play a role.

Common symptoms men notice

Many men first notice sharp or throbbing ear pain that gets worse when they pull on the outer ear or press in front of the ear. It can be distracting at work, in the gym, or at night when trying to sleep.

Other common symptoms include:

• Itching in the ear canal or a feeling that the ear is “plugged” or full.

• Muffled hearing, swelling, or clear, yellow, or pus‑like drainage from the ear.

• Tenderness when wearing headphones, helmets, or earplugs.

If pain is severe, spreads to the face or neck, or you develop a fever or feel very sick, that can be a sign of a more serious problem and requires in‑person care.

What causes otitis externa?

Otitis externa often starts when water or sweat stays trapped in the ear canal and softens the skin, making it easier for germs to get in. Swimming, long showers, hot tubs, and intense workouts are all common triggers.

Irritation or small injuries inside the ear canal can also lead to infection. This can be caused by:

• Cotton swabs or “cleaning” deep inside the ear.

• Earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs that rub or scratch.

• Scratching the ear with fingers or objects.

Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, or seborrheic dermatitis can damage the ear canal’s natural wax and make infections more likely. Men who have had radiation to the head and neck area can also lose protective earwax and be at higher risk.

When otitis externa needs in‑person care

Some situations are not safe to treat with telehealth and should be seen in person right away. These include:

• Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or current chemotherapy, which increase the risk of a dangerous infection called malignant otitis externa.

• Very severe pain, spreading redness, high fever, or weakness of the facial muscles.

A suspected ruptured eardrum, new vertigo, trouble walking, or bloody drainage can point to a middle ear injury and also need an in‑person exam. In these cases, Sabuche Health will not treat through telehealth and will guide you to appropriate local care instead.

How telehealth treatment works

During a Sabuche Health visit, a clinician will ask focused questions about your symptoms, recent water exposure, and anything you may have put in your ear. You may be asked to use your phone or computer camera to show the outside of the ear and help check for visible swelling or redness.

If your case is appropriate for telehealth, the clinician can create a clear, step‑by‑step plan to get you feeling better. This often includes:

• Prescription ear drops that contain an antibiotic, sometimes combined with a steroid to reduce swelling and pain.

• Guidance on how to place drops correctly, how long to use them, and what to avoid during healing.

For many uncomplicated cases, drops are used for 7–10 days, and pain often starts to improve within a few days when directions are followed. If symptoms are not improving as expected, you will be told when to seek in‑person follow‑up.

At‑home care and prevention tips

While you recover, keeping the ear dry is important. That usually means avoiding swimming and using a shower cap or cotton ball (coated with petroleum jelly on the outside only) to help keep water out when you bathe.

To help prevent future episodes:

• Gently dry your outer ear after swimming or showering, and tip your head to let water drain out.

• Do not put cotton swabs, keys, or other objects into the ear canal.

• Use soft swim earplugs if you are in the water often, especially in pools, lakes, or the ocean.

If you have skin conditions that affect the ears, treating those conditions and protecting the skin can lower your risk of repeat infections.

Why men choose Sabuche Health

Sabuche Health focuses on straightforward, evidence‑based care that fits a busy life. Men can skip waiting rooms, avoid urgent care lines, and talk with a licensed clinician from home, work, or while traveling.

Visits are designed to be fast, respectful, and clear, with simple explanations and real‑world guidance rather than medical jargon. When treatment is appropriate, prescriptions are sent to your preferred pharmacy so you can start getting relief as soon as possible.

Ready to feel better? Book Now

Most uncomplicated cases of otitis externa respond well to the right ear drops and careful at‑home care. If ear pain is getting in the way of work, lifting, swimming, or sleep, booking a visit is an easy next step.

Click Book Now to schedule your otitis externa telehealth visit with Sabuche Health and take the first step toward relief today.