Summer in Tigard is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the water. Whether you’re spending the afternoon at Tigard Swim Center, swimming in the Tualatin River, or spending the day at nearby Hagg Lake, cooling off is one of the best parts of the season. However, all that time around water can increase your risk of developing swimmer’s ear.
At AFC Urgent Care Tigard, we commonly diagnose and treat swimmer’s ear during the summer months. This painful outer ear infection often starts with mild itching or irritation but can become increasingly uncomfortable if left untreated.
The good news is that swimmer’s ear responds well to treatment, especially when it’s caught early. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention tips can help you protect your ears and enjoy a healthy summer.
Why Swimmer’s Ear Is More Common During Summer
Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It develops when water remains trapped inside the ear, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow.
People naturally spend more time swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and participating in other outdoor activities during the summer. Even water left behind after a shower or heavy sweating can soften the skin inside the ear canal, making it easier for bacteria to cause an infection.
Children and teenagers are especially susceptible because they often spend more time at pools, lakes, and splash pads during summer break. Adults who swim frequently, wear earbuds for long periods, or have sensitive skin inside the ears are also at increased risk.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear usually begins with mild symptoms that can worsen over several days if the infection isn’t treated.
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 the pain becomes more intense when gently pulling on the ear. As swelling increases, hearing may become more difficult and routine activities can become uncomfortable.
Seeking treatment early can help relieve symptoms before they become more severe.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Despite its name, swimmer’s ear isn’t limited to swimmers. Any activity that allows moisture to remain inside the ear canal can increase the 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 make it easier for bacteria to enter the skin.
Earwax serves as a natural defense against infection, so allowing your ears to clean themselves is often the healthiest approach.
When Ear Pain May Be a Sign of an Infection
While not every earache is caused by swimmer’s ear, certain symptoms may indicate that an infection has developed.
Watch for signs such as:
- Ear pain that becomes more severe
- 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 can partially close the ear canal, making symptoms even more uncomfortable.
If these symptoms develop after swimming or other water activities, seeking medical care promptly can help prevent complications and speed your recovery.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop swimmer’s ear, but some people are more likely to experience it.
Risk factors 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 vacations, swim lessons, sports camps, and weekends spent at local lakes or pools often involve repeated water exposure, creating ideal conditions for swimmer’s ear to develop.
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.
At AFC Urgent Care Tigard, our experienced providers can:
- Examine your ear canal
- Confirm whether an infection is present
- Remove debris if needed
- 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 reduce the risk of the infection spreading.
Tips to Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Fortunately, a few simple habits can significantly reduce your chances of developing swimmer’s ear.
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 using cotton swabs or inserting other objects into your ears.
- Wear earplugs if your healthcare provider recommends them.
- 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 and most effective ways to prevent swimmer’s ear.
Get Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Tigard
Ear pain can quickly disrupt your summer plans, but prompt treatment can help you get back to enjoying the season. Whether your symptoms started after a day at Hagg Lake, an afternoon at Cook Park, or another water activity around Tigard, the experienced providers at AFC Urgent Care Tigard are here to help.