Most of us have experienced the painful symptoms of an ear infection at some point in our childhood. For many, it seems that those infections were more prevalent during the summer months, after trips to the pool. That’s because in those cases, what we were experiencing was not actually an ear infection, but what is commonly known to us as “swimmer’s ear.” Here we examine the differences between swimmer’s ear and an ear infection and some of the treatment options available.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear, otherwise known as otitis externa, affects just the outer ear canal. It acquired the nickname because it often results when water pools in the ear canal, a common problem with frequent swimmers, although this is just one cause for the condition. Patients experience inflammation of the outer ear canal. Some of the symptoms can include pain when the ear is touched or pain inside the ear lobe. Patients occasionally experience discharge from the ear and itching.

Otitis externa can be treated with prescription eardrops or, sometimes, oral antibiotics. If the inflammation is extreme, a patient may require an ear wick inserted into the ear canal to keep it open and to facilitate ear drop treatments.

Ear Infection

Generally, “ear infection” refers to acute otitis media or an acute middle ear infection. Unlike swimmer’s ear, with this type of infection, the infection is behind the ear drum. This condition is extremely painful, and symptoms can include ringing in the ear and fever.

Ear infections are extremely serious and should be treated as such. A prolonged ear infection can cause hearing loss or challenges in speech and language development. The eardrum could also potentially rupture as a result of the pressure. If you suspect that you have an ear infection, you should see your doctor immediately. Ear drops cannot treat middle ear infection. Your health care provider will need to prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and possibly additional drops that numb the area and help you cope with the pain.

If you have any further questions about swimmer’s ear or ear infections, please call our free, 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-256-7719. Otherwise, to learn more about the services offered at Kendall Regional Medical Center, please visit our website.

Sources:

Swimmer’s Ear vs. Middle Ear Infection (doctorojax.com)

Difference Between Swimmers Ear and an Ear Infection (eardoc.info)

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