Swimmer’s Ear and Summer Ear Problems in Dallas

Swimmer’s Ear and Other Summer Ear Problems

Summer in Dallas often means more time at the pool, lake, splash pad, or beach. While swimming is a great way to stay active and cool off, water that remains trapped in the ear canal can sometimes lead to irritation or infection.

At Neighborhood Medical Center, we encourage patients to pay attention when ear discomfort continues after swimming. A little water in the ear may clear on its own, but ongoing pain, itching, pressure, or hearing changes may be signs that the ear canal needs to be evaluated.

Swimmer’s ear is different from a middle ear infection. It affects the outer ear canal, the passage that carries sound from the outside of the ear toward the eardrum. Moisture can soften the skin in this area and make it easier for irritation or bacteria to develop.

What Are the Signs of Swimmer’s Ear?

Symptoms may begin gradually. At first, the ear may simply feel itchy or blocked. As irritation increases, the ear can become more painful, especially when the outer ear is touched or gently pulled.

Common symptoms may include:

• Ear pain or tenderness
• Itching inside the ear
• Fullness or pressure
• Temporary muffled hearing

Redness or drainage may also develop. Children may tug at the ear, avoid lying on one side, or seem more irritable than usual.

“Patients sometimes wait because they think the water will eventually work its way out, but ongoing pain or hearing changes are worth checking before the irritation becomes more uncomfortable,” says Dr. Martin McElya of Neighborhood Medical Center.

Not every summer ear problem is swimmer’s ear. Wet earwax, allergies, sinus pressure, or irritation from cotton swabs and earbuds can cause similar symptoms. An examination can help identify the cause.

How Can You Protect Your Ears After Swimming?

Gently drying the ears after swimming can help reduce trapped moisture. Tilt your head from side to side and allow water to drain naturally. Dry only the outside of the ear with a clean towel.

You can also take a few simple precautions:

• Use well-fitting swim earplugs when appropriate
• Avoid placing objects inside the ear canal
• Remove wet earbuds or hearing devices promptly
• Keep reusable ear protection clean and dry

Avoid cotton swabs, hairpins, or fingernails inside the ear. These can push wax deeper, scratch the ear canal, or cause injury.

Ear-drying drops are not safe for everyone. Check with a healthcare professional before using them if you have ear tubes, drainage, significant pain, a possible eardrum injury, or recent ear surgery.

After swimming, shower and dry the outside of your ears. Clean, well-maintained pools and hot tubs may also help reduce irritation.

When Ear Symptoms Need Medical Attention

Mild fullness immediately after swimming may improve as the water drains. However, symptoms that continue, worsen, or interfere with sleep and normal activities should be evaluated.

Contact a healthcare provider if you develop increasing pain, swelling, drainage, or noticeable hearing changes. Fever or redness spreading around the ear may also require attention. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should not delay care for a painful or draining ear.

Seek urgent medical help for severe pain, sudden hearing loss, significant dizziness, facial weakness, or symptoms following an injury to the ear or head. These concerns may have causes beyond routine swimmer’s ear.

Treatment depends on what is causing the problem. A provider may examine the ear canal and eardrum, check for swelling or drainage, and determine whether earwax is blocking the canal. When an outer ear infection is present, prescription ear drops may be recommended. Avoid using leftover medication because the wrong type of drop may not treat the current problem safely.

Keep Summer Ear Problems From Interrupting Your Plans

Swimming should not leave you dealing with days of discomfort. Drying the outside of the ears, avoiding objects in the ear canal, and responding early to ongoing symptoms can help protect your ears throughout the summer.

Schedule your appointment at Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas online for concerns about ear pain, pressure, itching, drainage, or hearing changes after swimming. We also welcome patients traveling from nearby Mesquite. Walk-ins are welcome, and calling or texting ahead is recommended when possible.

Published by Neighborhood Medical Center | Dr. Martin McElya | Serving Dallas and surrounding communities | 972-726-6464

Educational purposes only. Not medical advice.