Swimmer's ear is America's top waterborne illness, leading to some 4.7 million infections and $280M in emergency room costs annually. This painful ear infection, otitis externa, occurs when trapped water creates conditions for bacteria or fungi to thrive. Unlike middle ear infections, swimmer's ear affects the outer ear canal, not the middle ear. Swimmer's ear won't get better on its own and requires medication.
Why is matters
Swimming increases the risk of developing otitis externa fivefold. Other risk factors include earbuds that trap moisture or using Q-tips, which cause microtears inside the ear.
A closer look
- Swimmer's ear is not contagious.
- It's also different from surfer's ear, a condition where cold-water exposure causes bony growths in the ear canal. Those growths also trap water, increasing the risk of swimmer's ear.
What to know
Protect your ears in and out of the water
Swimmer's ear doesn't have to mean pain, missed time in the pool, or lasting ear damage. Our audiologists can help you:
- Understand your ear health and infection risk
- Treat current symptoms before they get worse
- Prevent future infections with the right habits and protection
- Keep doing what you love without sidelining your ears
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your ears healthy all season long.
★ Call 708-599-9500 to schedule your visit.
★ For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, grab your copy of The Hearing Loss Guide.
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Don't let untreated hearing loss spoil your enjoyment of life.
Crest Hill, IL - 630-633-5060 | Palos Hills, IL - 708-599-9500
