Swimmer’s ear develops after excess water enters inside the ear canal, occurring typically after a person goes swimming. The water trapped inside the ear creates a damp environment, capable of fostering bacteria, which allows the bacteria to thrive. This induces a number of painful and aggravating symptoms that can last for several days. This is why people suffering from swimmer’s ear often seek treatment, as it can be difficult to go about your daily routine with its debilitating symptoms.

These symptoms include:

• Lingering pain inside ear
• Redness inside the ear
• Constant itchiness
• Excess water inside of ear, making occasional popping noise
• Liquid/pus discharge
• Difficulty hearing

Sometimes, swimmer’s ear worsens, causing the following symptoms:

• Intense pain spreading to neck and head area
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever

Swimmer’s ear commonly develops in people after they’ve recently swam in bodies of freshwater, such as ponds or lakes due to bacteria. However, people may develop swimmer’s ear swimming in a chlorinated pool as well. This makes anybody participating in competitive swimming/diving this winter susceptible to contracting swimmer’s ear.

At AFC Urgent Care North Andover, we see many high school swimming or diving athletes for swimmer’s ear treatment. While swimmer’s ear will eventually disappear on its own, we typically prescribe antibiotics to expedite the healing process if a bacterial infection developed. Our Providers may also choose to just clean out the ear using an acidic solution, which should help clear away any blockage.

If you’re in need of swimmer’s ear treatment, visit us at AFC Urgent Care North Andover for prompt, convenient and affordable walk-in care. If you wish to speak with any of our staff members, call us up at 978-470-0800. We look forward to getting you back in the water!