Swimmer’s Ear vs. Ear Infection: What Parents Should Know
Summer means more time at the beach, pool, lake, and sprinkler — and for many kids, that also means ear pain. One of the most common questions parents ask this time of year is:
“Is this swimmer’s ear… or an ear infection?”
While the symptoms can seem similar, swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections are actually very different conditions that require different treatments. Knowing the difference can help parents get the right care faster — and help kids get back to enjoying summer.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection or irritation of the outer ear canal — the part you can see leading into the ear.
It commonly happens when water gets trapped in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment where bacteria can grow.
Common Causes of Swimmer’s Ear
Frequent swimming
Water trapped in the ear canal
Scratching inside the ear
Using cotton swabs
Earbuds or hearing devices trapping moisture
Swimmer’s ear is especially common during summer months when kids spend long days in pools, lakes, and oceans.
Signs of Swimmer’s Ear
Children with swimmer’s ear often complain of:
Ear pain that worsens when touching or tugging the ear
Itching inside the ear
Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Pain when chewing
Drainage from the ear
A “plugged” or muffled feeling
One of the biggest clues?
The outside of the ear is usually very tender to touch.
What Is a Middle Ear Infection?
A traditional ear infection, also called otitis media, occurs deeper inside the ear behind the eardrum.
These infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria that develop after:
Colds
Sinus congestion
Seasonal allergies
Upper respiratory infections
Middle ear infections are not caused by swimming.
Signs of a Middle Ear Infection
Kids with a middle ear infection may experience:
Ear pain without touching the outside ear
Fever
Fussiness or irritability
Trouble sleeping
Congestion or cold symptoms
Difficulty hearing
Ear pressure
Babies and toddlers may also:
Pull at their ears
Cry more than usual
Refuse bottles or food
Wake frequently overnight
Swimmer’s Ear vs. Middle Ear Infection: Key Differences
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
✔️ Pain when touching the ear
✔️ Often follows swimming or water exposure
✔️ Outer ear canal is irritated
✔️ Usually no cold symptoms
Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
✔️ Often follows a cold or congestion
✔️ Fever is more common
✔️ Pain is deeper inside the ear
✔️ Touching the outer ear usually does not worsen pain
Can Swimmer’s Ear Be Prevented?
In many cases, yes.
Prevention Tips for Parents
Dry ears gently after swimming
Tilt the head side to side (“surfer’s shake”) to remove trapped water
Avoid putting cotton swabs inside ears
Keep earbuds and hearing devices dry and clean
Use pediatrician-approved drying drops if recommended
Consider swim ear plugs for children who are prone to infections
Additional Prevention for Frequent Cases
For children who experience frequent otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) without an active infection, we often recommend a simple preventive solution:
A 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, kept at room temperature, can be used after swimming.
The alcohol helps dry out any trapped water in the ear canal
The vinegar helps lower the pH, making it harder for bacteria to grow
Used consistently after swimming (along with the “surfer’s shake”), this method is often more effective for prevention than ear plugs, which can be difficult for kids to use correctly.
When Should Parents Call the Pediatrician?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between swimmer’s ear and a middle ear infection at home — and treatment depends on the diagnosis.
Reach out to your pediatrician if your child has:
Persistent ear pain
Fever
Drainage from the ear
Swelling around the ear
Difficulty hearing
Pain lasting more than 24 hours
Severe pain after swimming
The WanderCARE Difference
At WanderCARE Pediatrics, families have direct access to pediatric care without long waits or crowded urgent care centers.
If your child develops ear pain after swimming, you can often text Dr. Jo directly for guidance, photos, or next steps.
Because summer should be spent making memories — not sitting in waiting rooms.
Helping Kids Get Back to Summer Fun
Whether it’s swimmer’s ear, a middle ear infection, or simple irritation after a long day in the water, early evaluation can help prevent complications and get kids feeling better faster.
At WanderCARE Pediatrics, we’re here to help families navigate summer health concerns with less stress, more access, and personalized pediatric care that fits real life.
Need support this summer?
Contact WanderCARE Pediatrics to learn more about membership-based pediatric care designed around your family.
