With proper treatment, swimmer's ear typically clears up within about a week. Most people notice meaningful relief within the first few days of starting prescription ear drops. Left untreated, the infection will not resolve on its own and can lead to serious complications. This guide covers what swimmer's ear is, how long recovery takes with treatment, what happens without it, and how to keep it from coming back.

At AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park, we provide same-day evaluations with no appointment required. Just walk in or plan your visit in advance below!

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What Is Swimmer's Ear and What Causes It?

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is a bacterial or fungal infection of the ear canal. When water gets trapped in the ear canal, it creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria and fungi thrive and multiply.

Common causes include:

• Swimming in pools, lakes, or rivers. Open freshwater sources tend to carry higher bacteria levels than chlorinated pools, raising infection risk during warm months.
• Bathing or showering with poor drainage. Even routine water exposure can trigger an infection if the ear canal does not dry out fully afterward.
• Inserting objects into the ear canal. Cotton swabs, fingers, and earbuds can scratch the canal lining and strip away protective earwax, leaving the ear more vulnerable.
• Certain skin conditions. Eczema and psoriasis affecting the ear canal can compromise the skin barrier and increase susceptibility to infection.

How Long Does Swimmer's Ear Last With Treatment?

With prompt treatment, swimmer's ear typically resolves within about a week. Most people begin to feel noticeable improvement within the first two to three days of starting ear drops. According to the American Medical Association, patients should expect meaningful symptom relief within 24 to 48 hours of beginning treatment, with full recovery generally occurring within seven days.

A healthcare provider may prescribe:

• Antibiotic ear drops to eliminate bacteria from the ear canal
• Antifungal ear drops for infections caused by fungal overgrowth
• Steroid ear drops to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain

Nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort during the treatment period. Staying out of the water for the full duration of treatment gives the ear canal the best chance to heal completely.

What Happens If Swimmer's Ear Goes Untreated?

Swimmer's ear will not get better on its own. Untreated infections can spread beyond the ear canal and lead to serious complications. Possible risks include:

• Chronic infection. An infection that persists beyond three months becomes significantly harder to treat and may involve both bacterial and fungal pathogens.
• Cellulitis. The infection can spread into surrounding skin tissue, causing fever, spreading redness, and intense pain.
• Bone and cartilage damage. In rare cases, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, the infection can reach nearby bone and cartilage.
• Skull base osteomyelitis. In the most severe untreated cases, infection spreading to the base of the skull can affect nearby nerves and become life-threatening.

Early treatment is the single most effective way to avoid these outcomes.

How Can You Prevent Swimmer's Ear?

Keeping the ears dry after water exposure is the most reliable prevention method. A few consistent habits reduce risk significantly.

• Tilt your head side to side after swimming. Gently pulling the earlobe in different directions helps drain trapped water naturally.
• Dry your ears after water exposure. A clean towel or a low-heat hairdryer held at a safe distance removes residual moisture from the outer ear.
• Leave earwax alone. Earwax is a natural protective barrier. Removing it with cotton swabs damages the canal lining and increases infection risk.
• Use well-fitting earplugs. A properly fitted pair blocks water from entering the ear canal during swimming.

Get Walk-In Swimmer's Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park

If your ear feels painful, itchy, full, or is producing any drainage, do not wait for the symptoms to pass. AFC Urgent Care Denver City Park provides same-day, walk-in care for swimmer's ear and ear infections with no appointment needed. The team can assess your symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and get you started on treatment quickly. To plan your visit in advance, simply book online and choose a time that works best for you. We accept most health insurance plans and provide cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about swimmer’s ear management, or other services we provide, please call us directly at (303) 381-1100.