" Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) is an infection of the external auditory canal. It is often related to swimming, but not always. It can be caused by scratching the ear or by aggressive cleaning. A person may feel ear pain, swelling, blockage, itching or discharge. Rubbing, inserting Q-tips, or getting it wet in a pool or shower can make it worse. These symptoms may also be due to other causes, such as middle ear infection ...