Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off during the summer, but spending time in pools, lakes, oceans, and water parks can sometimes lead to an uncomfortable condition known as swimmer’s ear. If you’ve recently been swimming and now have ear pain, itching, or a feeling of fullness in your ear, swimmer’s ear may be the cause. This is a common outer ear infection that occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, creating an environment where bacteria or fungi can grow. While the condition can affect people of all ages, it is especially common during the summer months when swimming activities increase. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you get treatment before the infection becomes more painful or difficult to manage.
For same-day swimmer’s ear treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our medical team provides immediate treatment for a wide range of conditions. Walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. Unlike a middle ear infection, which occurs behind the eardrum, swimmer’s ear affects the passage that connects the outer ear to the eardrum. The condition often develops when moisture remains in the ear after swimming, bathing, or other water activities. This trapped moisture can soften the skin inside the ear canal and make it easier for bacteria to enter and multiply.
Other factors that may increase the risk of swimmer’s ear include:
● Frequent swimming
● Scratching the ear canal
● Humid weather
● Using cotton swabs inside the ear
● Wearing earbuds or hearing aids for extended periods
● Skin conditions such as eczema
What Are The Signs of Swimmer’s Ear?
Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen over several days if the infection progresses. One of the earliest signs is itching inside the ear canal. Many people initially assume they simply have water trapped in the ear. As the infection develops, discomfort often becomes more noticeable. Common symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:
● Ear pain
● Itching inside the ear
● Redness around the ear canal
● A feeling of fullness or blockage
● Muffled hearing
● Drainage from the ear
● Tenderness when touching the ear
A key sign that points toward swimmer’s ear is pain when the outer ear is moved or pulled. Many people notice significant discomfort when touching the ear lobe or pressing on the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal. As the infection becomes more severe, swelling may narrow the ear canal and make hearing more difficult.
How To Tell The Difference Between Swimmer’s Ear and Water Trapped in The Ear
It’s common to experience temporary ear fullness after swimming, especially if water becomes trapped in the ear canal. In many cases, the sensation resolves within a few hours as the water drains naturally. However, swimmer’s ear is more likely if symptoms continue to worsen rather than improve. You may be dealing with an infection if:
● Ear pain develops after swimming
● Symptoms last more than a day or two
● The ear becomes increasingly tender
● You notice drainage from the ear
● Hearing becomes muffled
● The area appears swollen or red
Unlike simple trapped water, swimmer’s ear typically causes progressive symptoms that do not resolve on their own.
When Should You Seek Medical Treatment?
Mild irritation may improve with keeping the ear dry and avoiding further water exposure. However, swimmer’s ear often requires medical treatment to clear the infection completely. You should consider visiting an urgent care center if you experience:
● Persistent ear pain
● Worsening symptoms
● Ear drainage
● Significant swelling
● Hearing loss
● Fever
● Symptoms that interfere with sleep or daily activities
A healthcare provider can examine the ear canal and determine whether an infection is present. Treatment often involves prescription ear drops that help eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation. Seeking treatment early can help prevent the infection from becoming more severe and shorten recovery time.
Get Same-Day Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek
If your ear hurts after swimming, swimmer’s ear may be to blame. Symptoms such as itching, ear pain, tenderness, muffled hearing, and drainage can all signal an infection of the outer ear canal. While mild symptoms may initially seem like trapped water, worsening discomfort often indicates that medical treatment is needed. If you’re experiencing ear pain after swimming or suspect you may have swimmer’s ear, visit AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our medical team can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide the best treatment possible. We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about swimmer’s ear treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 692-8000.
