Warm weather and summer swimming go hand in hand—but spending more time in the water can sometimes lead to swimmers’ ear. Whether you’re spending your days at the pool, lake, beach, river, or water park, it’s important to know the signs of swimmer’s ear, how to help prevent it, and when it’s time to seek medical care.

Ear pain after swimming is one of the most common reasons people visit urgent care during the summer months. Also known as otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that can affect both children and adults. Fortunately, with early treatment, most cases improve quickly.

At Zip Clinic Urgent Care, we treat swimmer’s ear and other summer illnesses and injuries for patients of all ages.

 

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear is an infection or irritation of the outer ear canal. It occurs when water becomes trapped inside the ear, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria—or sometimes fungi—can grow.

Although it’s most common during the summer, swimmer’s ear can happen any time of year, especially in people who swim frequently or have moisture trapped in their ears.

 

Swimmer’s Ear vs. an Ear Infection

Many people think all ear infections are the same, but they’re actually different.

Swimmer’s ear affects the outer ear canal, while a traditional ear infection usually develops behind the eardrum in the middle ear. Because these conditions require different treatments, it’s important to have your ear evaluated if you’re experiencing pain, drainage, or hearing changes.

 

Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Symptoms often begin mildly but can become more painful if left untreated. Common signs include:

• Ear pain or tenderness
• Itching inside the ear
• Redness or swelling
• Drainage from the ear
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Pain when touching or pulling on the ear
• Muffled or reduced hearing

If your symptoms continue, worsen, or become increasingly painful, it’s important to get checked by a medical provider.

 

Tips to Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear

The good news is that swimmer’s ear is often preventable. Here are a few simple ways to help protect your ears this summer.

Keep Your Ears Dry

After swimming or showering, gently dry your ears with a towel. Tilting your head from side to side can also help remove trapped water.

Avoid Putting Objects in Your Ear

Cotton swabs, fingers, earbuds, and other objects can scratch or irritate the ear canal, making it easier for bacteria to cause an infection.

Wear Swim Ear Plugs if Needed

If you swim often or frequently develop swimmer’s ear, properly fitted swim earplugs may help keep excess water out.

Take Breaks From the Water

Extended periods of swimming can keep the ear canal damp for hours. Taking occasional breaks allows your ears time to dry naturally.

 

When Should You Visit Urgent Care?

While mild irritation may improve on its own, swimmer’s ear often requires prescription ear drops to clear the infection.

You should seek medical care if you experience:

• Moderate to severe ear pain
• Yellow, green, or bloody drainage
• Significant hearing loss
• Swelling that makes the ear difficult to touch
• Fever
• Symptoms that last more than one or two days
• Symptoms that continue getting worse instead of improving

Early treatment can relieve discomfort quickly and help prevent the infection from becoming more serious.

 

How Zip Clinic Urgent Care Can Help

If you think you or your child may have swimmer’s ear, the team at Zip Clinic Urgent Care is here to help.

Our providers can:

• Evaluate your symptoms
• Examine your ear for infection
• Recommend the appropriate treatment
• Prescribe medication if needed
• Help you safely return to your summer activities

Most cases of swimmer’s ear improve within a few days after starting prescription ear drops and keeping the ear dry during the healing process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can swimmer’s ear go away on its own?

Mild irritation may improve, but bacterial swimmer’s ear often requires prescription ear drops. Delaying treatment can allow the infection to worsen.

Can adults get swimmer’s ear?

Yes. Although it’s more common in children, adults can also develop swimmer’s ear after swimming, showering, or getting water trapped in the ear.

How long does swimmer’s ear last?

Most people begin feeling better within a few days of starting treatment, although it’s important to finish all prescribed medication.

Can I swim if I have swimmer’s ear?

It’s best to avoid swimming until your provider says it’s safe. Keeping the ear dry helps it heal more quickly.

 

Walk In or Check In Online

Don’t let ear pain interrupt your summer fun. Zip Clinic Urgent Care provides fast, convenient treatment for swimmer’s ear, ear infections, summer illnesses, minor injuries, and more.

No appointment is necessary. Simply walk in or save time by checking in online before your visit.

Check in online today:
https://zipclinic.com/check-in/

Whether you’ve been enjoying the pool, lake, river, beach, or water park, our team is here to help you get back to feeling your best.