You know that perfect summer moment: the sun is shining, the water’s sparkling, and you’ve just nailed the cannonball of the century. Everything feels just right... until it doesn’t.
Our friends at Virtua Health want you to know there’s one guest that shows up every summer without an invite: Swimmer’s Ear. It doesn’t bring snacks, it doesn’t compliment your float, and it definitely overstays its welcome.
So, what exactly is this aquatic annoyance? And how do you kick it out before it ruins your whole weekend?
what is swimmer's ear, anyway?
Swimmer’s ear (also known as otitis externa) is an outer ear canal infection that usually happens when water gets trapped in the ear after swimming or showering. That warm, damp environment becomes the ultimate hangout for bacteria or fungi. The result? Itching, pain, and that annoying muffled hearing.
Common symptoms include:
· Itchy ear canal
· Redness or swelling around the outer ear
· Drainage of clear fluid or pus
· Pain when tugging your earlobe or chewing
· Feeling like your ear is clogged
who invited it?
Swimmer’s ear is most common in kids and teens, but anyone can get it, especially if you're splashing around in pools, lakes, or even the shower. It’s not just about the cleanliness of the water. It’s about how long moisture stays trapped inside your ear canal.
You’re also more likely to get it if you:
· Use earbuds or cotton swabs regularly
· Have eczema or small abrasions in the ear canal
· Wear swim caps or earplugs often
how to kick it out of the pool party
If you catch it early, swimmer’s ear can usually be treated with ear drops prescribed by your provider. But there are a few things you can do to stop it before it even starts:
· Dry your ears completely after swimming. Tilt your head and let gravity help, or use a soft towel.
· Avoid sticking anything in your ears. That includes cotton swabs.
· Use preventive ear drops. Ask your provider or pharmacist for recommendations.
· Limit how long you wear earplugs or swim caps. And make sure to clean them regularly.
when to call in reinforcements
Sometimes, this uninvited guest just doesn’t get the hint. If the pain gets worse, lasts more than a few days, or keeps coming back, it’s time to get checked out.
Stop by a Virtua Urgent Care location for quick relief, or schedule a visit with a Virtua ENT specialist if swimmer’s ear becomes a repeat offender. They’ll help you get to the root of the issue and keep your ears happy and healthy.
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