Summer and swimming go hand in hand. But all that fun can sometimes lead to swimmer’s ear. This common and painful condition can happen to anyone, but it’s most often seen in kids.
What is swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal (the passageway between the outside of the ear and the eardrum).
“It usually happens when water gets trapped in the ear after swimming,” says Nicholas Tallman, DO, Carilion Children’s. “That warm, damp environment makes the perfect place for bacteria to grow.”
Despite the name, kids don’t actually have to swim to get swimmer’s ear. It can also happen from:
- Bathing
- Sweating
- Humid weather
- Scratching inside the ear
- Using cotton swabs
- Wearing earbuds
- Skin conditions like eczema
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear
Swimmer’s ear usually shows up 1 – 3 days after being in the water. Common symptoms include:
- Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the ear
- Itching inside the ear
- Redness or swelling
- Drainage from the ear
- A feeling of fullness or clogged hearing
- Pain when chewing
Younger kids might not be able to explain what’s wrong. Instead, you may notice they:
- Tug at their ear
- Cry more than usual
- Have trouble sleeping
- Avoid lying on the affected side
Is it the same as a regular ear infection?
Not exactly. A typical ear infection happens in the middle ear (behind the eardrum) and often comes along with a cold, congestion, or fever.
Swimmer’s ear affects the outer ear canal and is usually related to moisture or irritation.
If gently pulling on the ear causes pain, swimmer’s ear is more likely.
How is swimmer’s ear treated?
Treatment usually involves prescription ear drops that help clear the infection and reduce inflammation. Your child’s doctor may also recommend pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with discomfort.
Most kids start feeling better within a couple of days after treatment begins. It’s best to avoid swimming until the infection clears up.
Can you prevent swimmer’s ear?
Sometimes, yes! A few simple habits can lower the risk:
Keep ears dry
After swimming or bathing:
- Gently dry the outer ear with a towel
- Tilt the head side to side to help water drain out
- Use a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting held several inches away to dry up remaining water
Skip the cotton swabs
“Cotton swabs can actually make things worse by irritating the ear canal and pushing wax deeper inside, making infections more likely,” says Dr. Tallman.
Consider ear plugs
For kids who get swimmer’s ear often, swim ear plugs may help keep water out.
Use preventive ear drops (if recommended)
Using over-the-counter drying drops after swimming can be helpful for kids who get swimmer’s ear often. These aren’t safe for everyone, especially those with ear tubes or eardrum problems, so check with your child’s doctor first.
When should you call the doctor?
It’s a good idea to contact your child’s doctor if:
- The pain is severe or getting worse
- The ear looks swollen
- There’s drainage coming out
- Your child has a fever
- Hearing seems muffled
- Symptoms last more than a day
If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your child’s pediatrician.
