Swimming, surfing, paddling, and water sports are part of life for many families in Marin County, but ear pain after time in the water may be a sign of swimmer’s ear. This common infection can affect kids, competitive swimmers, surfers, and active adults who spend time in pools, bays, lakes, or coastal water. At Medical Center of Marin, we provide prompt evaluation and treatment for ear pain, drainage, and other symptoms that may point to swimmer’s ear or another ear condition.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal. It often happens when moisture stays trapped in the ear after swimming, creating an environment where bacteria can grow. The condition can also develop when the skin inside the ear canal becomes scratched or irritated, which may happen from using cotton swabs, earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs.
Unlike a middle ear infection, which occurs behind the eardrum, swimmer’s ear affects the canal that leads from the outside of the ear to the eardrum. Because the ear canal is narrow and sensitive, even mild swelling can cause noticeable pain.
Why Kids and Athletes Are at Risk
Children are often more likely to develop swimmer’s ear because they spend longer periods in the water and may not dry their ears thoroughly afterward. Swim team practices, summer camps, pool days, and beach outings can all increase exposure.
Athletes may also be at risk, especially those who swim regularly, surf along the Marin coast, paddleboard near Sausalito, or participate in water-based training. Even non-swimmers can develop the condition if sweat, moisture, or irritation affects the ear canal.
In Marin, a day that begins at a community pool in Novato, continues with kayaking near China Camp, or ends with a beach visit at Stinson Beach can create the perfect conditions for ear discomfort to develop later.
Symptoms to Watch For
Swimmer’s ear can start mildly, but symptoms may worsen if the infection is not treated. Common signs include:
- Ear pain that may increase when the outer ear is touched or pulled
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Redness or swelling
- A feeling of fullness or blockage
- Drainage from the ear
- Temporary muffled hearing
- Tenderness around the ear
In children, symptoms may be harder to identify. A child may tug at the ear, complain that the ear “feels weird,” avoid lying on one side, or become irritable after swimming.
When Ear Pain Needs Medical Attention
Not every earache is swimmer’s ear, which is why a medical exam is important. Ear pain can also be caused by a middle ear infection, wax buildup, injury, sinus congestion, or another condition.
You should seek care if ear pain is significant, symptoms last more than a day or two, drainage is present, hearing seems reduced, or pain interferes with sleep or daily activities. Medical care is also important if your child has a fever, worsening swelling, or severe tenderness around the ear.
At Medical Center of Marin, our providers can examine the ear canal and eardrum to help determine the cause of symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
How Swimmer’s Ear Is Treated
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the condition of the ear canal. Many cases are treated with prescription ear drops that help address infection and inflammation. If swelling is significant, additional steps may be needed to help medication reach the affected area.
Patients should avoid swimming until cleared by a medical provider. It is also important not to insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear, as this can worsen irritation or push debris deeper into the canal.
For children and athletes, early treatment can make a meaningful difference. Prompt care may help reduce pain, shorten symptoms, and prevent the infection from becoming more severe.
Tips to Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
A few habits can help reduce risk, especially during swim season or after frequent water exposure. Dry the ears gently after swimming or bathing, tilt the head to help water drain, and avoid putting cotton swabs into the ear canal. Athletes who use earplugs should make sure they fit properly and are cleaned regularly.
Parents should also watch for recurring symptoms, particularly in children who swim often or have a history of ear infections.
Visit Medical Center of Marin for Ear Pain
Ear pain after swimming should not be ignored, especially when it affects a child, athlete, or anyone with worsening symptoms. Located in Novato, Medical Center of Marin provides prompt care for swimmer’s ear, ear infections, and other non-life-threatening concerns.
Schedule your visit today for compassionate evaluation and treatment that helps your family get back to school, sports, and Marin’s active outdoor lifestyle.