Pools, lakes, beaches and water parks are a great way to cool off during a hot Texas summer. But sometimes all that time in the water can lead to a painful condition known as swimmer’s ear.
The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk—and knowing the early signs can help you get treatment when you need it.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal.
It often develops when water remains trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria can grow. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can affect adults and children, although it’s especially common among kids.
Despite the name, swimming isn’t the only potential contributor. Irritation or damage to the skin inside the ear canal can also make it easier for an infection to develop.
Swimmer’s Ear vs. a Middle Ear Infection
Believe it or not – they’re not the same thing. A middle ear infection (otitis media) occurs behind the eardrum and is frequently associated with colds and other respiratory illnesses.
Swimmer’s ear affects the outer ear canal. As noted in clinical guidance from the Mayo Clinic, one telltale sign can be pain when the outer ear is gently tugged or pressure is placed on the small piece of cartilage just in front of the ear canal.
Other symptoms can include:
-
Itching inside the ear
-
Ear pain
-
Redness or swelling
-
Fluid or drainage from the ear
How Can You Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?
A few habits can help keep ears healthy during swim season:
-
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming: Tilt your head to each side to allow water to drain and gently dry the outside of the ear with a towel.
-
Keep objects out of the ear canal: Cotton swabs and other objects can irritate the skin inside the ear and remove protective earwax.
-
Consider ear protection if you’re prone to problems: A bathing cap, earplugs or custom-fitted swim molds may help keep ears dry.
-
Ask before using ear-drying drops: These aren’t appropriate for everyone. People with ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, ear drainage or an active swimmer’s ear infection should not use drying drops unless directed by a healthcare provider.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Don’t ignore persistent ear pain or drainage.
A healthcare provider can examine the ear canal and determine whether swimmer’s ear—or another condition requiring diagnostic testing at our Hearing Center—is responsible for your symptoms. Swimmer’s ear can typically be treated with prescription antibiotic ear drops.
Catching the problem and getting the appropriate treatment can help you get back to enjoying the rest of your summer comfortably.
Ear pain putting a damper on summer fun? Learn more about our practice or contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our ENT specialists in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Anna, or Prosper today!
