What is swimmer’s ear?

St. Joseph’s/Candler Pediatric ENT Dr. Stephanie Ambrose explains this common summer condition that can occur in both kids and adults

If you are a parent, you may be all too accustom to your child getting an ear infection.

Ear infections are very common in children. The National Institutes of Health estimates more than 80 percent of children will have at least one ear infection by the time they turn three. By age six, about 40 percent of children will have had an ear infection at least three times.

And this time of year, there’s one particular type of ear infection pediatricians and pediatric ENTs tend to treat frequently – swimmer’s ear.

“I feel like it’s common because I see it frequently, especially during the summer months,” says Dr. Stephanie Ambrose, pediatric ENT with Georgia Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists at St. Joseph’s/Candler.

Related Article: Five things to know about a pediatric ENT doctor

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal skin, Dr. Ambrose says. The ear canal is a tube that goes from the opening of the ear to the eardrum. If water gets trapped in the canal and doesn’t drain out or gets trapped by wax build-up, then it creates a moist environment allowing bacteria or fungus to grow and create an infection, Dr. Ambrose says.

Swimmer’s ear most often happens to children, but it can occur in adults as well. The condition can cause redness or swelling, irritation, trouble hearing and/or discharge. Most kids present with pain or the parent notices swelling or that the ear is tender to the touch, Dr. Ambrose says.

Then, whether the infection is due to bacteria or a fungus, your physician can prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication to treat swimmer’s ear. Sometimes a steroid or other ointment may be recommended. Almost all cases are treated topically with ear drops. Dr. Ambrose says symptoms tend to resolve within one to two weeks.

Preventing swimmer’s ear

To try to prevent swimmer’s ear, you want to keep your ears as dry as possible.

• After swimming or showering, tilt your head to each side to help drain water out of your ears.
• With your ear facing down, pull your earlobe in different directions. This may help water drain out.
• Gently dry your ears with the edge of the towel.
• Use a hair dryer on the coolest and lowest setting to gently dry your ears. Hold the dryer at least 12 inches from your head and wave it slowly back and forth.
• When you clean your ears, be gentle.

What about ear plugs or swimming bands that cover the ears? Dr. Ambrose doesn’t think that’s necessary for all kids. She would recommend ear protect while swimming or showering in kids that have had multiple swimmer’s ear diagnoses.

“The majority of people can swim without having any issues,” Dr. Ambrose says. “However, if your child is swimming and starts to complain about ear pain or you see swelling or drainage, you should see a provider and get treated.”

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