Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) in Gurnee & Libertyville
Swimmer’s ear is an irritation or infection of the ear canal—most often after water gets trapped and germs grow. It can be painful and frustrating, but the good news is that it’s very treatable. At Lake County ENT, we’ll ease your pain, clear the infection, and help you prevent the next one.
What it is
Inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, usually after moisture and bacteria (or fungus) build up.
Who it affects
Common in swimmers, kids, and anyone with eczema, frequent water exposure, or earwax build-up.
How we help
Gentle ear cleaning, targeted eardrops, pain relief, and a prevention plan to keep ears healthy.
Ear pain after swimming or showering? We’ll calm the pain and clear the infection fast.
Common Symptoms
- Itchy ear canal and increasing ear pain (worse when the outer ear is tugged)
- Fullness, muffled hearing, or drainage from the ear
- Tenderness when pressing on the tragus (small flap in front of the canal)
- Sometimes fever, neck/face pain, or swollen lymph nodes
Why It Happens
- Trapped water: After swimming, bathing, or humid environments
- Ear-canal trauma: Q-tips, bobby pins, or over-cleaning
- Irritants: Hair dyes/sprays or frequent ear irrigations
- Skin conditions: Eczema or seborrhea affecting the canal
- Contaminated water: High bacteria in hot tubs or polluted water
When to call us: Significant ear pain, drainage, swelling, or hearing decrease—especially after water exposure.
Call 911 for severe swelling with breathing trouble, high fever with spreading redness, or head trauma.
How We Diagnose Swimmer’s Ear
Our Evaluation
- Microscope exam to view the ear canal and eardrum
- Gentle cleaning to remove debris and let medicines work
- Review of recent water exposure, ear care, and skin conditions
Tests We May Use
- Culture: If infections are recurrent or severe
- Hearing check: If hearing seems reduced
- Wick placement: If swelling blocks drop entry
Painful, swollen canal? A short visit and the right drops make a big difference.
Treatment Options
Home & Conservative Care
- Keep the ear dry (no swimming; shower with a cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly)
- Pain control with recommended analgesics
- Do not insert Q-tips or objects into the ear canal
- Alcohol or alcohol/vinegar drops may help dry water only if the eardrum is intact and no tube is present
Medical Treatments
- Prescription eardrops (antibiotic ± steroid, or antifungal when indicated)
- Ear wick to deliver drops if the canal is very swollen
- Oral antibiotics only if infection extends beyond the canal
- Follow-up cleaning to speed healing and confirm recovery
How to Apply Eardrops
- Have someone help if possible; lie on your side with the affected ear up
- Fill the canal with drops; gently pull the ear back to help them in
- Remain on your side for a few minutes to allow absorption
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Listen & evaluate: Symptoms, water exposure, and ear-care habits
- Exam & cleaning: Gentle removal of debris; confirm eardrum status
- Plan together: Correct drops, pain control, and prevention tips
Good to Know
- Most cases improve within 7–10 days with proper care
- If you have a perforated eardrum or ear tubes, use only doctor-approved drops
- Untreated infections can become chronic; diabetics and older adults have higher risk for complications—don’t wait if pain is severe
Prevention Tips
- Dry ears after swimming or bathing (towel or cool hair-dryer held at a distance)
- Use swimming earplugs; avoid polluted water and poorly maintained hot tubs
- Skip Q-tips—pushing wax deeper irritates the canal and traps moisture
- Manage allergies/eczema; schedule periodic professional ear cleanings if you build wax
Ready to feel better? Same-week appointments available for painful ears.
FAQs
Related Topics
Painful, itchy, or draining ear? Get fast relief and a plan to keep it from coming back.