Swimmer's ear often develops after swimming, bathing, or other water-related activities when moisture becomes trapped in the ear, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow. While mild cases can sometimes resolve on their own, others may require medical attention or antibiotics, especially when the infection becomes painful or persistent.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your ear, it is important to seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to diagnose and provide the necessary and most effective treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our walk-in clinic is available 7 days a week to provide convenient same-day treatment for ear infections. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot in advance online using the button below.
Diagnosing Swimmer's Ear
The first step in managing a swimmer's ear is an accurate diagnosis. A doctor will typically examine the ear canal using an otoscope, which allows them to see inside the ear. Symptoms that suggest swimmer's ear include:
- Itching or irritation in the ear canal
- Redness or swelling inside the ear
- Drainage of clear fluid or pus
- Pain when touching or pulling the outer ear
- A feeling of fullness or mild hearing loss
Sometimes, the infection may be confused with a middle ear infection (otitis media), especially in children. However, swimmer's ear affects the outer ear canal, which requires different treatment methods. The doctor may also take a sample of any fluid in the ear for lab analysis, especially if the infection doesn't improve with initial treatment.
Treating Swimmer's Ear
Whether antibiotics are needed depends on the severity and type of infection. Mild swimmer's ear may be treated at home using over-the-counter ear drops containing acetic acid or alcohol-based solutions, which help dry the ear canal and stop bacterial growth. However, moderate to severe infections usually require prescription antibiotic ear drops. Your medical provider will be able to diagnose the severity of the infection and recommend the most effective course of treatment.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
While a swimmer's ear is often mild, it can become serious if left untreated. If you experience severe ear pain, swelling that spreads to your face or neck, fever, or trouble hearing, it's time to seek medical treatment. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate your ear and provide timely diagnosis, pain relief, and the proper medication to get your ear health back on track.
Visit AFC Bedford for Same-Day Ear Infection Diagnosis & Treatment
Swimmer’s ear can cause painful symptoms, including throbbing in the ear and a fever. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek medical care. Delaying care can result in your symptoms worsening, while timely medical intervention will quickly clear up symptoms. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our clinic is available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm to provide same-day ear infection treatment.
Our board-certified medical providers are trained to accurately diagnose and effectively treat symptoms of swimmer’s ear and other kinds of ear infections. We work with most medical insurance plans and have competitive rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, walk into the clinic for same-day care or give us a call at (781) 430-8161.
