Summer in Hillsboro is filled with opportunities to get outside and cool off. Whether you’re spending the afternoon at Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center, enjoying a day at Scoggins Valley Park, visiting a local splash pad, or heading out for water activities with family and friends, it’s easy to make the most of the warm weather. Unfortunately, spending more time in and around the water can also increase your risk of swimmer’s ear.
At AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro, we frequently diagnose and treat swimmer’s ear during the summer months. This common outer ear infection often begins with mild itching or irritation but can quickly become painful if it isn’t treated.
The good news is that swimmer’s ear is highly treatable, especially when it’s diagnosed early. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention tips can help you protect your ears and enjoy a healthier summer.
Why Swimmer’s Ear Is More Common During Summer
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 a warm environment where bacteria or fungi can multiply.
During the summer, people naturally spend more time swimming, boating, and participating in outdoor activities. Even water left inside the ears after showering or heavy sweating can soften the skin inside the ear canal, making it easier for germs to cause an infection.
Children and teenagers are especially likely to develop swimmer’s ear because they often spend more time at pools, lakes, and splash pads during summer vacation. Adults who swim regularly, wear earbuds for long periods, or have sensitive skin inside their ears can also develop the condition.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear often starts with mild symptoms that are easy to overlook. As the infection progresses, symptoms typically become more noticeable and uncomfortable.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching inside the ear
- Mild ear pain or discomfort
- Redness around the ear canal
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Drainage from the ear
- Tenderness when touching or moving the outer ear
Many people notice that the pain worsens when they chew or gently pull on the ear. As swelling increases, hearing may become more difficult and everyday activities can become uncomfortable.
Receiving treatment early can help relieve symptoms before the infection becomes more severe.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Despite its name, swimmer’s ear isn’t limited to people who swim. Any situation that allows moisture to remain trapped inside the ear canal can increase your risk of infection.
Common causes include:
- Swimming in pools, lakes, or rivers
- Water trapped in the ears after bathing or showering
- Excessive sweating
- Warm, humid weather
- Using cotton swabs inside the ear
- Scratching the ear canal
- Wearing earbuds or hearing aids when moisture is present
Many people don’t realize that cleaning their ears too aggressively can actually increase the risk of swimmer’s ear. Cotton swabs remove the ear’s natural protective wax and can create tiny scratches that allow bacteria to enter the skin.
Earwax is an important part of your body’s natural defense against infection, so avoiding unnecessary cleaning can help keep your ears healthy.
When Ear Pain May Be a Sign of an Infection
Not every earache is caused by swimmer’s ear, but certain symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Signs of an ear infection may include:
- Increasing ear pain
- Swelling inside the ear canal
- Yellow, white, or cloudy drainage
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Redness spreading around the ear
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes near the ear or neck
As the infection progresses, swelling may partially block the ear canal, making symptoms more painful and affecting your hearing.
If you experience these symptoms after swimming or other water activities, seeking treatment promptly can help prevent complications and shorten your recovery.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop swimmer’s ear, but certain factors make it more likely.
People at higher risk include:
- Frequent swimmers
- Children and teenagers
- People who regularly wear hearing aids or earbuds
- Individuals with eczema or other skin conditions affecting the ears
- People who frequently use cotton swabs
- Those with naturally narrow ear canals
Summer camps, swim lessons, vacations, and weekends spent at local lakes or pools often involve repeated water exposure, creating ideal conditions for swimmer’s ear.
Fortunately, early treatment is usually very effective.
Prompt Treatment Can Help You Feel Better Faster
Once swimmer’s ear develops, medical treatment is often needed to eliminate the infection. Without treatment, symptoms may continue to worsen and become increasingly painful.
At AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro, our experienced medical providers can:
- Examine your ear canal
- Confirm whether an infection is present
- Remove debris if necessary
- Prescribe medicated ear drops when appropriate
- Recommend ways to relieve pain and discomfort
- Monitor for complications
Many patients begin feeling better within a few days after starting treatment. Receiving care early can shorten recovery time and help prevent the infection from spreading.
Tips to Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Although swimmer’s ear is common during the summer, a few simple habits can help lower your risk.
Helpful prevention tips include:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering.
- Tilt your head to help water drain from your ears.
- Gently dry the outside of your ears with a clean towel.
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears.
- Wear earplugs if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Take breaks from prolonged water activities.
- Avoid over-cleaning your ears.
For many people, drying their ears immediately after swimming is one of the easiest ways to prevent swimmer’s ear and keep their ears healthy throughout the summer.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
Some mild ear discomfort may improve on its own, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro if you experience:
- Moderate or severe ear pain
- Drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss or persistent muffled hearing
- Ongoing itching inside the ear
- Swelling of the ear canal
- Fever
- Symptoms that continue to worsen
Prompt medical evaluation is especially important for children with ear pain after swimming or for anyone who experiences recurring ear infections.
Get Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro
Ear pain can quickly put your summer plans on hold, but prompt treatment can help you recover and get back to enjoying the season. Whether your symptoms started after a visit to Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center, a day at Henry Hagg Lake, or another water activity around Hillsboro, the experienced providers at AFC Urgent Care Hillsboro are here to help.
Our medical team can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose swimmer’s ear and other ear infections, and recommend the treatment that’s right for your needs. With convenient same-day appointments available, getting quality care is simple when you need it.