Learn how to prevent swimmer’s ear, spot the symptoms, and know when to visit our Mooresville clinic for fast treatment and healthy ears.
Summer in Mooresville means pool days, lake trips, and plenty of ways to cool off in the North Carolina heat. But all that fun in the water can sometimes lead to an unwelcome guest: swimmer’s ear. This common outer ear infection happens when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Whether you’re visiting a local pool or spending the day swimming at Lake Norman State Park, knowing how to prevent swimmer’s ear can help you enjoy the water without any painful interruptions.
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, or acute otitis externa, is an infection in the outer ear canal. It often develops when water doesn’t fully drain from your ear, breaking down the ear’s natural wax barrier. This creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a swimmer to get it, showers, baths, and even sweaty workouts can sometimes trigger swimmer’s ear.
Who is at Risk for Swimmer’s Ear and Why?
Swimmer’s ear can affect anyone, but kids are the most frequent patients. Children’s ear canals are narrower and more horizontal, which makes it easier for water to get trapped. Some kids may also have enlarged adenoids that block the eustachian tubes, creating a perfect spot for bacteria to grow. Additionally, children’s immune systems are still developing, making it harder for them to fight off infections.
Adults are less likely to get swimmer’s ear because their ear canals are angled, allowing water to drain more easily, but they’re not immune. Using cotton swabs or sticking objects in the ear can irritate the skin and remove protective earwax, which increases the risk of infection. Your ears naturally clean themselves, earwax moves outward on its own in a spiral pattern, so cotton swabs aren’t needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
- Pain when the outer ear is tugged or when pressure is put on the part of the outer ear that sticks out in front of the ear canal (tragus)
- Itchiness inside the ear
- Drainage from the ear
- Redness and swelling in the ear
Tips to Avoid Swimmer’s Ear
Keeping your ears healthy in the water is easier than you think. Here are three ways to lower your risk of infection:
Keep Your Ears Dry
- Wear earplugs or a snug swim cap to keep water out while swimming.
- After swimming or showering, tilt your head side to side to help water drain.
- Use a soft towel to gently dry the outer ear, and if needed, use a hairdryer on its lowest setting to remove any extra moisture.
Maintain Ear Health
- Skip the cotton swabs. Your ear canal naturally pushes wax outward in a spiral pattern, so swabs usually just irritate the skin.
- Consider using ear-drying drops, available at most pharmacies, to help prevent bacteria growth.
Swim Smart
- Stick to pools with proper water treatment whenever possible.
- Avoid swimming in dirty or untreated water, especially after heavy rain or during algae blooms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimmer’s ear continues to be a common and costly condition in the U.S. Each year, it leads to about 2.4 million outpatient visits, adding up to an estimated $564 million in healthcare costs, or roughly $200 per visit. Children in the southern U.S. aged 5–14 are most commonly affected, highlighting the importance of preventive measures for young swimmers. These statistics underscore the need for awareness and proper ear care to prevent infections and related medical costs.
When to Seek Medical Help
Most mild cases of swimmer’s ear can improve with simple home care, but there are times when a doctor’s visit is the safest choice. Visit our clinic if you notice:
- Severe ear pain
- Trouble hearing or muffled hearing
- Drainage, swelling, or symptoms lasting more than a few days
Ignoring these symptoms can allow the infection to worsen and spread, which may require prescription antibiotics or more involved treatment.
Swimmer’s ear is both common and preventable, and a little care goes a long way. Keep your ears dry, swim smart, and act quickly if symptoms appear.
If you or your child are experiencing signs of swimmer’s ear, walk into AFC Urgent Care Mooresville for same-day care, no appointment needed. We’ll help you get relief fast so you can get back to feeling your best.
