{"id":3886,"date":"2023-07-07T12:00:28","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T12:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=3886"},"modified":"2024-02-02T16:53:09","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T16:53:09","slug":"how-to-avoid-summertime-ear-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2023\/07\/07\/how-to-avoid-summertime-ear-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Summertime Ear Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

As we dive into summer activities, it\u2019s important to know the signs and symptoms of swimmer\u2019s ear and the best ways to keep this common infection from dampening your summer fun.<\/p>\n

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Swimmer\u2019s ear, also called otitis externa (OE), is a painful bacterial infection of the outer ear canal skin that can be caused by water entering your ears, such as swimming, showering, or just sweating in a warm, humid climate. When water is trapped in the ear, it creates a moist environment that fosters bacterial and fungal growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOE can happen any time of year, but we generally see a spike in the summer months as people are spending more time enjoying water activities.\u201d says Donald Solomon, MD<\/a>, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) and Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Pediatric Otology at Cooper University Health Care<\/a>. \u201cSwimmer\u2019s ear can occur in both adults and children, but it is more commonly seen in children. Another risk factor is earwax build-up, which can trap water when your head is submerged.\u201d<\/p>\n

Children are more prone to OE because they often spend more time splashing in water while swimming and bathing. They may also be less vigilant about drying their ears properly after water exposure.<\/p>\n

Adults who engage in water activities, such as swimming, surfing, or going to a sauna, are also at risk for swimmer\u2019s ear. People who have excessive earwax production or eczema are at greater risk. Likewise, those who use devices like hearing aids, headphones, ear plugs, or earbuds regularly may be more susceptible to an infection, as these devices often push wax deep into the ear canals.<\/p>\n

Signs and Symptoms of Swimmer\u2019s Ear<\/h3>\n

The signs and symptoms of swimmer\u2019s ear can vary in severity, but often include:<\/p>\n