by Isaac Zefo | Jun 30, 2024 | Healthy Living

How To Avoid Swimmer’s Ear

Summer means long, lazy days floating down the river or time at the lake. However, all that time in the water can increase your risk of developing an unpleasant condition known as swimmer’s ear. As you make plans for summer fun, it’s important to understand what swimmer’s ear is, who’s at risk, and how to prevent the uncomfortable problem.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, medically referred to as acute otitis externa, is a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal. It often occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment perfect for bacterial growth. Water washes the protective wax lining of the ear canal away, leaving the skin vulnerable to infection.

While swimmer’s ear can affect anyone who gets water in their ears, it’s especially common among frequent swimmers, particularly children. Kids tend to have narrower ear canals that make it easier for water to become trapped inside. Their ear canals are also more horizontal compared to the angled canals of adults, further increasing the risk of water entrapment.

Signs and Symptoms

If you or your child develops swimmer’s ear, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms indicating it’s time to take action to clear the infection before it worsens or causes irreparable damage:

• Pain when the outer ear is tugged or pressed on
• Itchy sensation in the ear
• Drainage from the infected ear
• Redness and swelling around the ear canal

Who is at Greatest Risk?

While swimmer’s ear can strike anyone, certain groups are more susceptible:

1. Children: Due to the shape of their ear canals are prime targets, especially ages 5-14.
2. Frequent swimmers: The more time you spend in the water, the higher your exposure risk.
3. Those with eczema or excess ear wax: Skin conditions and excessive wax can irritate the ear canal.
4. People who use cotton swabs: Sticking any object in the ear can remove protective wax and cause abrasions that allow bacteria entry.

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to swimmer’s ear. Follow these tips to keep your ears healthy:

• Use earplugs or a swim cap to keep water out when swimming.
• Tilt your head and pull your outer ear outward and backward to help drain water after swimming or bathing.
• Use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to remove residual water if needed.
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal.
• Consider over-the-counter ear drops designed to dry out excess moisture.
• Choose well-maintained pools with properly tested and treated water to minimize bacteria exposure.

By taking these simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your likelihood of developing an ear infection this summer.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many mild cases of swimmer’s ear can be managed at home with ear drops and over-the-counter pain medication, some infections become severe requiring professional treatment. If you or your child experiences the symptoms below, give AFC Urgent Care Knoxville a call for a same-day appointment and pain relief:

• Pain becomes severe
• Symptoms persist for more than a couple of days despite home care
• You experience drainage, fever, or hearing problems

Catching the infection early makes it easier to treat. Delaying care can allow the infection to worsen, potentially leading to complications that may require antibiotics or other invasive treatments.

Swimmer’s ear is a relatively common warm-weather woe, accounting for over 2 million healthcare visits and close to $500 million in costs each year in the U.S. alone. However, it’s also highly preventable with some basic ear care knowledge and practices.

This summer don’t let swimmer’s ear put a damper on your fun in the sun. Stay vigilant about keeping your ears dry and seek prompt treatment if an infection develops. With some simple precautions, you can enjoy peace of mind while making a splash all season long.