Swimmer’s Ear Treatment & Prevention: Tips to Protect Your Ears
Don’t let an ear infection ruin your summer
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is common, uncomfortable, and completely preventable. Here’s how to spot early signs, protect your ears, and get expert treatment from NYC Hearing Associates across NYC and Garden City.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, usually caused when water stays trapped and creates the perfect environment for bacteria or fungi. Symptoms can range from itching and muffled hearing to swelling and pain that worsens without care.
Early Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Your ears are great at sending signals – if you know how to listen.
Swimmer’s ear often starts with small signs, like a tickle or a muffled sound after swimming. Catching these early means faster healing, fewer symptoms, and a summer that stays carefree. Here’s what to watch for.
Expert Tip:
If your ear feels full, itchy, or muffled after swimming, don’t wait.
A quick exam can stop infection before it spreads.
Why It Matters
Left untreated, swimmer’s ear can spread beyond the canal to nearby tissue and bone. This makes it harder to treat and may require antibiotics or surgery. The good news? With prevention and early care, most cases are simple and short-lived.
Expert Tip:
Catch it early, and treatment is quick. Ignore it, and recovery can take weeks!.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Here’s how to lower your risk every time you swim:
✅ Wear swimmer’s earplugs – silicone plugs keep water out comfortably
✅ Dry ears gently – tilt your head to drain, pat the outside with a towel
✅ Try a cool hair dryer – hold 12 inches away to speed up drying
✅ Check water quality – avoid swimming in lakes or pools with bacteria warnings
✅ Limit cotton swabs – they can push wax deeper and irritate the canal
Expert Tip:
A few small habits – like plugs and proper drying—go a long way toward keeping your ears infection-free.
Treatment Options
If swimmer’s ear strikes, treatment depends on how severe it is:
3 Social Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss:
01
Over-the-counter drops
- Drying agents may help in early stages.
02
Prescription ear drops
- Drying agents may help in early stages.
03
Cleaning the canal
- Performed by an audiologist or ENT to remove debris or trapped fluid.
04
Pain relief
- Oral meds for discomfort during recovery.
05
Follow-up care
- Repeat exams to ensure full healing, especially if you’re prone to infections.
Expert Tip:
Advanced cases need professional care to avoid complications.
When to See a Specialist
Call your audiologist or ENT if you notice:
✅ Ongoing pain that worsens over 2–3 days
✅ Yellow, green, or bloody drainage
✅ Fever, swelling, or spreading redness
✅ Trouble hearing clearly
Expert Tip:
A few small habits – like plugs and proper drying—go a long way toward keeping your ears infection-free. Related Services You May Find Helpful
Because swimmer’s ear can overlap with other hearing issues, patients often benefit from:
“Fantastic service, highly recommended! The empathy and service-mindedness were the best part of our trip.”
“I just had another fabulous visit, and the team is so lovely and caring. I always have a great discussion with them, and they’re starting to feel like family!”
Ready to Keep Your Ears Healthy?
Our board-certified audiologists provide same-day evaluations, custom ear protection, and evidence-based treatment for swimmer’s ear and other conditions. Stay protected all summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can swimmer’s ear clear on its own?
Mild cases sometimes improve, but it’s risky to wait – especially in humid cities like New York, where moisture can linger. Our board-certified audiologists can confirm the cause and start treatment right away.
Are over-the-counter drops enough?
Sometimes. But if symptoms last more than 48 hours or worsen, it’s best to come in. Our team may recommend prescription ear drops or an in-office canal cleaning, depending on how advanced the infection is.
Can kids get swimmer’s ear?
Yes – and it often goes unnoticed until it worsens. If your child swims regularly or complains of ear discomfort, our team offers gentle pediatric evaluations to catch it early and recommend care that works.
How long does swimmer’s ear last?
With proper treatment, most cases improve within 7–10 days. Infections that spread may take longer. We’ll monitor healing with follow-up checks at any of our NYC (+ NY) area offices to make sure it clears completely.
What’s the best way to prevent swimmer’s ear?
Drying techniques help, but a hearing health consult can reveal if you’re more prone due to ear canal shape, wax buildup, or past infections. Patients in NYC and Garden City often benefit from personalized care plans — especially if swimmer’s ear keeps coming back.
