ⓘ
Learn More
Take Our Hearing Quiz
▶︎ Schedule Now

Good Sound Audiology

Menu
  • About
    • Close
      • Our Team
      • Locations
      • Reviews
      • Video Reviews
      • Meet Our Team
        Find information on our doctors and locations.Visit Now
    • Close
  • Patient Care
    • Close
      • What We Do
      • Happy Patient Stories
      • Let’s Talk Technology
      • Hearing Resources
      • FAQs
      • New Patient Forms
      • Quality Care
        Find more information on why Good Sound Audiology is the right choice for you.Make an Appointment
    • Close
  • Medical Professionals
    • Close
      • Referring Physicians
      • Provider Notes
      • Professional Services
        Explore the many resources for medical professionals.Get Updates
    • Close
  • Blog
    • Close
      • We Hear You
      • Dr. Jessee’s Book Club
      • Instructional Videos
      • We Hear You
        Find out about all the latest things in hearing health from our blog.Stay in Touch
    • Close
  • Why Us?
  • Locations
  • Start Here
  • What’s New

Treatment, Prevention and Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear – Acute External Otitis

August 29, 2014 By Dr. Tina Jessee

Swimmer’s ear, formally referred to as acute external otitis or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal (the section outside the eardrum). This type of infection was named “swimmer’s ear” because it is often caused by water staying in the outer ear after swimming, which provides a moist environment which encourages the growth of bacteria. But water is not the only culprit. Acute external otitis may also be the result of damaging the delicate skin lining the ear canal by poking fingertips, Q-tips or other objects in the ear. Luckily for us swimmer’s ear is readily cured. If untreated, swimmer’s ear may cause serious complications so it is essential to recognize the symptoms of the infection.

Swimmer’s ear crops up because the ear’s innate defenses (glands that secrete a waxy, water-repellent substance termed cerumen) are overwhelmed. A buildup of moisture in the ear, damage to the lining of the ear canal, and sensitivity reactions can all result in an ideal environment for bacterial growth, and result in infection. Activities that raise your chance of developing swimmer’s ear include swimming (especially in untreated water such as lakes), aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs, use of in-ear devices such as ear buds or hearing aids, and allergies.

The most common symptoms of swimmer’s ear are itching in the ear canal, mild pain that is made worse by tugging on your ear, a slight redness inside the ear, and mild drainage of an odorless, clear liquid. In more moderate cases, these symptoms may develop into more severe itching, pain, and discharge of pus. Extreme cases of swimmer’s ear are accompanied by symptoms such as fever, severe pain which may radiate into other parts of the head, neck and face, swelling redness of the outer ear or lymph nodes, and possibly blockage of the ear canal. Complications of untreated swimmer’s ear may be serious, including short-term hearing loss, bone and cartilage loss, long-term ear infections, and the spreading of deep-tissue infections to other parts of the body. The possibility of serious complications means that you should visit a physician as soon as you suspect swimmer’s ear.

Doctors usually diagnose swimmer’s ear after a visual examination with a lighted instrument termed an otoscope. Physicians will also make sure that your eardrum has not been ruptured or damaged. If you definitely have swimmer’s ear, the standard treatment consists of cautiously cleaning the ears and using prescription eardrops to combat the infectious bacteria. If the infection is serious, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics taken orally to help overcome it.

Just remember these three tips to avoid getting swimmer’s ear.

  1. Dry your ears completely after swimming or showering.
  2. Don’t swim in open, untreated bodies of water.
  3. Do not place any foreign objects in your ears in an attempt to clean them.

Ray M. has some advise for those who are struggling with hearing loss. To see more patient testimonials, visit us on YouTube!

  • Cheryl M. Florence, AZ

    “My initial visit was to be just a hearing test and evaluation. After a discussion and learning that I could be fitted that day, I was thrilled. I’m really pleased how easy it is to make adjustments, which Dr. Jessee made on several occasions. I am very pleased with my 'hearing aid' experience."  – Cheryl M. Florence, AZ

  • Sarah K., Gilbert, AZ

    “I think Dr. Jessee is fantastic-the way she’s taken care of us. When you call she sees you right away. My appointments aren’t rushed, she takes her time with every patient.” – Sarah K., Gilbert, AZ

  • Kenneth L., Florence, AZ

    “[I] was satisfied with my hearing improvement prior to my first follow up appt. I was VERY satisfied with the adjustments in the hardware (earbuds & tubes changed) and the sound level adjustments Dr. Jessee made at my follow up appt. Dr. Jessee is a personable doctor and I appreciate how comfortable she made us feel.” – Kenneth L., Florence, AZ

  • Mary Z., Chandler, AZ

    “I love Dr. Jessee and I’m extremely satisfied.  I just bought my second set of hearing aids from her.” – Mary Z., Chandler, AZ

  • O.C., Sun Lakes, AZ

    “Good Sound Audiology stays with you and makes sure everything is perfect. They are very professional and have a wealth of knowledge about hearing loss. I am very grateful my doctor recommended Good Sound Audiology for me.” – O. C., Sun Lakes, AZ

Good Sound Audiology is a full-service audiology practice offering a full range of hearing loss services including comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aids. Our East Valley clinics serve the greater Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and Scottsdale areas.

Who We Are

Our Team
Locations
Contact Us

What We Do

Technology
Happy Patients
Referring Physicians

Stay In Touch

Copyright © 2012 - 2021 Good Sound Audiology, PLLC · Site by Visage Creative