Swimmer’s ear is typically not a chronic condition, but it can become chronic in certain cases. If the infection keeps recurring or does not respond to treatment, it may be classified as chronic otitis externa. This can occur if there’s ongoing irritation or if the ear canal is continually exposed to moisture, leading to persistent infections.
People with skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis are at higher risk for developing chronic swimmer's ear. To reduce the risk of chronic infections, it’s important to keep the ears dry and avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal.
Sources:
