Ear Pain or a Clogged Ear After Swimming? It Could Be Swimmer's Ear

A day at the pool is one of the best parts of summer, but if your child develops ear pain, itching, or a clogged sensation afterward, swimmer's ear may be the cause.

Swimmer's ear is a common summer ear infection that often develops after water becomes trapped in the ear canal. Knowing the symptoms can help you recognize the problem early and get treatment before it worsens.

Why Does My Ear Feel Clogged After Swimming?

After swimming, water can sometimes remain trapped inside the ear canal.

This trapped moisture creates a warm environment where bacteria and fungi can grow. As irritation and inflammation develop, the ear may begin to feel:

• Clogged
• Full
• Itchy
• Painful
• Muffled

While a clogged ear after swimming is not always an infection, persistent symptoms may indicate swimmer's ear.

What Is Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal.

Unlike a middle ear infection, which occurs behind the eardrum, swimmer's ear affects the canal that carries sound from the outside of the ear to the eardrum.

The condition is commonly associated with:

• Swimming pools
• Lakes
• Oceans
• Frequent water exposure
• Excess moisture in the ear

Although anyone can develop swimmer's ear, children are especially susceptible during the summer months.

Common Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear

Symptoms often begin within a few days of swimming.

Common signs include:

• Ear pain
• Pain when touching or pulling the ear
• Itching inside the ear canal
• Redness around the ear opening
• Swelling
• A clogged or full feeling
• Muffled hearing
• Drainage from the ear

Symptoms may start mild but can become increasingly painful if left untreated.

Why Are Children More Likely to Get Swimmer's Ear?

Several factors can increase a child's risk.

Children often:

• Spend more time swimming
• Have water trapped in the ear longer
• Use cotton swabs that irritate the ear canal
• Scratch itchy ears
• Wear earbuds that may cause minor irritation

Even small breaks in the skin of the ear canal can make it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection.

How Is Swimmer's Ear Treated?

Treatment usually involves prescription ear drops that help eliminate infection and reduce inflammation.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Antibiotic ear drops
• Anti-inflammatory ear drops
• Pain relievers
• Keeping the ear dry during treatment

Most children improve within several days after starting treatment.

How Can You Prevent Swimmer's Ear?

A few simple habits can help reduce the risk of swimmer's ear.

After Swimming:

• Dry ears gently with a towel
• Tilt the head to help water drain out
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal
• Use doctor-approved drying drops if recommended

For Frequent Swimmers:

• Wear swim ear plugs if appropriate
• Consider a swim cap
• Take breaks from prolonged water exposure

Keeping the ear canal dry is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider if your child experiences:

• Ear pain lasting more than 24 hours
• Significant swelling
• Ear drainage
• Fever
• Hearing changes
• Worsening symptoms

Prompt treatment can relieve discomfort and help prevent complications.

Enjoy Summer Without Ear Pain

Most cases of swimmer's ear respond well to treatment when diagnosed early. If your child develops ear pain, itching, drainage, or a clogged ear after swimming, don't ignore the symptoms.

The primary care providers at BASS Medical Group can evaluate ear pain, diagnose swimmer's ear, and recommend the appropriate treatment so your child can safely return to summer activities.

Schedule an appointment with a BASS Medical Group provider if your child has ear pain, a clogged ear, or signs of swimmer's ear after swimming.