Summer in Chattanooga is made for spending time on the water. Whether you’re cooling off at Chester Frost Park, enjoying an afternoon on the Tennessee River, or taking the family to a neighborhood pool, swimming is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. But if your ear starts hurting after a day in the water, it could be more than just water trapped in your ear.
Ear pain, itching, or a feeling of fullness after swimming may be early signs of swimmer’s ear, a common outer ear infection that becomes much more frequent during the summer months. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment at AFC Chattanooga Northshore can help relieve discomfort and get you back to enjoying your favorite summer activities.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It develops when moisture becomes trapped inside the ear, creating an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. Although swimming is the most common cause, swimmer’s ear can also develop after frequent showers or from using cotton swabs, earbuds, or other objects that irritate the delicate skin inside the ear canal.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms often begin gradually but can worsen over the next day or two. Watch for signs such as:
- Ear pain that worsens when you touch or pull on your ear
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Redness or swelling around the ear
- Clear, yellow, or cloudy drainage
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Muffled or decreased hearing
Without treatment, swimmer’s ear can become increasingly painful and make everyday activities much more uncomfortable.
How to Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
You can lower your risk of developing swimmer’s ear by following a few simple habits:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering
- Tilt your head to help trapped water drain from the ear canal
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears
- Wear properly fitting swim earplugs if you spend a lot of time in the water
- Allow irritated ears to heal completely before swimming again
These simple precautions can go a long way toward preventing infection.
Can Swimmer’s Ear Be Treated at Home?
If you’re only experiencing mild irritation, keeping your ears clean and dry may help prevent symptoms from getting worse. It’s also important to stay out of the water until your ear feels better and avoid putting anything inside the ear canal. However, once pain becomes more noticeable or you develop swelling, drainage, or hearing changes, home remedies usually aren’t enough. Swimmer’s ear often requires prescription ear drops or other medication to eliminate the infection.
When Should You Visit AFC Chattanooga Northshore?
Don’t wait for symptoms to become more severe. Consider visiting AFC Chattanooga Northshore if you experience:
- Moderate to severe ear pain
- Drainage coming from the ear
- Swelling that’s affecting your hearing
- Symptoms lasting longer than one or two days
- Fever or redness spreading beyond the ear
- Pain that continues to worsen despite home care
- Prompt treatment can relieve discomfort sooner and help prevent complications.
How AFC Chattanooga Northshore Can Help
Our experienced AFC providers at AFC Chattanooga Northshore can examine your ear, diagnose swimmer’s ear, and recommend the treatment that’s right for you. Depending on your symptoms, your care plan may include prescription ear drops, medication to reduce inflammation, and guidance to help protect your ears while they heal. A painful ear infection shouldn’t keep you out of the water all summer. If ear pain, itching, or drainage develops after swimming, visit AFC Chattanooga Northshore for fast, convenient care. We’ll help you recover quickly so you can get back to enjoying everything summer in Chattanooga has to offer.
