What is Swimmer’s Ear? Causes, Symptoms, & Effective Treatments

Summer is the best time to make a splash in your swimming pool or at the beach, and even though school’s back in session, there’s still plenty of Alabama heat left in store. There’s no better way to cool off from these late summer heat waves than taking a dip in refreshing waters. Unfortunately, time spent in the water can often be accompanied by painful earaches called “swimmer’s ear.”

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a common ear infection that affects many people during the warmer months. This month, ExcelENT of Alabama will explore the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips for swimmer’s ear.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a very common infection that affects the outer ear. It tends to happen to people who spend a lot of time in the water, though it can also be triggered by wearing earbuds too often, using cotton swabs in your ear canal, and other activities that irritate the ear. Frequent exposure to moisture or friction can irritate the skin of your ear, allowing bacteria or even fungi to enter and set up an infection.

If you’ve ever had swimmer’s ear, you know it’s no day at the beach. Here are the most common signs to watch out for in yourself or your kids:

• Ear pain: This can range from mild discomfort to sharp pain, and it often gets worse when you pull on your ear or chew.
• Itchy and irritated ear canal: You might feel a constant urge to scratch inside your ear.
• Redness and swelling: The outer part of your ear or the ear canal itself might look red and puffy.
• Discharge: You could see some fluid draining from your ear. This might be clear, pus-like, or even have a bad smell.
• Muffled hearing or feeling of fullness: It might feel like your ear is plugged up, and sounds might be harder to hear.

In rare cases, swimmer’s ear can get more serious. You might get a fever, have intense pain, or even temporarily lose some hearing.

Summer Ear Care Tips

It’s always important to take care of your ears, but during the summer, taking a few extra steps can save you a lot of earaches. Here are some tips to keep your ears healthy and prevent swimmer’s ear:

• Limit Water Exposure: Try to limit the amount of time you spend under the water, especially if you have a history of swimmer’s ear or other ear-related issues.
• Dry Ears Thoroughly: Always make sure to thoroughly dry your ears after swimming, bathing, or any other water-based activity.
• Use Ear Plugs: Wear custom-fitted or over-the-counter ear plugs when swimming or engaging in water sports to prevent water from entering your ears.
• Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of cotton swabs, hair pins, and other objects that can irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal.
• Monitor for Symptoms: Be on the lookout for any signs of swimmer’s ear, such as pain, itching, or discharge, and seek medical attention if you notice any of these.

Treatment Options for Swimmer’s Ear

The good news is, if you do develop swimmer’s ear, there are several treatment options available. The earlier you can identify and take steps to treat this condition, the better. Depending on the severity of your condition, your treatment options may include:

1. Prescription Eardrops: Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal eardrops to combat the underlying infection and reduce inflammation.
2. Oral Antibiotics: In more severe cases, your doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection.
3. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate the discomfort associated with swimmer’s ear.
4. Ear Cleaning: Your healthcare provider may need to gently clean your ear canal to remove any debris or discharge, which can help the eardrops work more effectively.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is properly cleared.

When to See a Doctor for Swimmer’s Ear

While swimmer’s ear can often be mild, it’s important to see a doctor if things get worse. Here are some red flags that you need to get checked out:

• Intense pain: If the pain is really bad or unbearable, it’s time to see a doctor.
• Fever: A fever usually means your body is fighting off an infection, so don’t ignore it.
• Swelling or redness spreading: If the redness and swelling goes past your ear, that could signal a more serious problem.
• Discharge with a bad smell or pus: This also points towards an infection that needs medical attention.
• Hearing loss or feeling of fullness in the ear: These could indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your ear.

An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can properly diagnose what’s going on and get you the right treatment. This helps stop the infection from getting worse and prevents any serious complications down the line.

Other Water-Related Ear Issues

While swimmer’s ear is the most common water-related ear issue, there are a few other conditions that can arise from exposure to water, including:

• Surfer’s Ear: Also known as exostosis, this condition is caused by the growth of bone in the ear canal, which can lead to a narrowing of the canal and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Otitis Media: This type of ear infection occurs in the middle ear and can be caused by water exposure, as well as other factors.
• Tympanic Membrane Perforations: Exposure to water can sometimes lead to a hole or tear in the eardrum, which can cause pain, bleeding, and hearing loss.

If you experience any unusual or persistent ear-related symptoms after water exposure, visit the specialists at ExcelENT to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Finding a Trusted ENT Near You

Swimmer’s ear can be annoying and even painful, but with the right care, it can be effectively prevented. You can take proactive steps to keep your ears healthy and take a dive without any worry.

If you do develop swimmer’s ear or any other water-related ear issue, you should seek medical attention from a trusted healthcare provider. At ExcelENT in Birmingham, AL, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care to help you find relief and prevent future problems.

Say Goodbye to Ear Pain: Schedule Your Appointment with ExcelENT in Birmingham, AL

Don’t let ear pain disrupt your life any longer! At ExcelENT in Birmingham, AL, our experienced specialists can diagnose and treat your ear issues with personalized care. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort, hearing loss, or other ear-related concerns, we’re here to help you find relief.

Schedule an appointment today and discover industry-leading care!