Pool Season Problems: Swimmer’s Ear vs. Regular Ear Infection

Summer in Atlanta means pool days, lake trips, beach vacations, and plenty of time in the water—especially for kids. But while swimming is one of the best parts of summer, it can also bring one of the most common warm-weather problems: ear infections.

Many people assume every ear infection is the same, but that is not true. Swimmer’s ear and a regular ear infection are very different conditions, and knowing the difference matters when it comes to treatment.

At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and the team help both children and adults identify the cause of ear pain and get the right treatment fast—so summer fun does not turn into unnecessary discomfort.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It usually happens when water gets trapped in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment where bacteria can grow.

Common causes include:

• Frequent swimming
• Pool water exposure
• Lake or ocean water exposure
• Humid weather
• Cleaning ears too aggressively with cotton swabs
• Small scratches inside the ear canal

This condition is especially common during summer because people spend more time in the water.

What Is a Regular Ear Infection?

A regular ear infection usually refers to a middle ear infection, also called otitis media. This happens deeper inside the ear, behind the eardrum.

These infections are often linked to:

• Colds
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• Upper respiratory infections
• Eustachian tube dysfunction

Children are especially prone to middle ear infections, but adults can experience them too.

Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear often starts with irritation that quickly becomes painful.

Common symptoms include:

• Ear pain that worsens when touching the ear
• Itching inside the ear canal
• Redness or swelling
• Drainage from the ear
• A feeling of fullness
• Mild hearing changes
• Pain when chewing or moving the jaw

Many patients notice pain after a weekend of swimming.

Symptoms of a Regular Ear Infection

Middle ear infections often feel deeper and may come with additional symptoms.

Common signs include:

• Deep ear pain
• Pressure inside the ear
• Trouble hearing clearly
• Fever
• Irritability in children
• Trouble sleeping
• Fluid buildup behind the eardrum
• Ear pain following a cold or sinus infection

Unlike swimmer’s ear, touching the outside of the ear usually does not make the pain worse.

Why Summer Allergies Can Make Ear Problems Worse

Many Atlanta patients are surprised to learn that allergies can contribute to ear infections too.

Summer allergies caused by grass pollen, mold, and humidity can lead to:

• Nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Eustachian tube blockage
• Fluid trapped behind the eardrum

This creates the perfect setup for middle ear infections, especially in children.

Sometimes the “ear problem” actually starts with allergies and sinus inflammation.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose the Difference

Because symptoms can overlap, a proper exam is important.

At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., the team evaluates:

• Where the pain is located
• Whether the ear canal is swollen
• Signs of fluid behind the eardrum
• Infection severity
• Allergy or sinus involvement
• Recurring ear infection patterns

This helps determine the right treatment instead of guessing with over-the-counter remedies.

Treatment Options for Both Conditions

Swimmer’s Ear Treatment

Treatment may include:

• Prescription ear drops
• Keeping the ear dry
• Avoiding swimming temporarily
• Pain relief medications
• Cleaning the ear canal if needed

Middle Ear Infection Treatment

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics when appropriate
• Allergy management
• Nasal sprays
• Treating sinus congestion
• Monitoring fluid buildup
• Further ENT evaluation for recurring infections

The right treatment depends entirely on the type of infection.

When to See an ENT

You should schedule an evaluation if you or your child have:

• Ear pain lasting more than a few days
• Recurrent summer ear infections
• Drainage from the ear
• Trouble hearing
• Fever with ear pain
• Persistent pressure or fullness
• Frequent infections after swimming
• Ear pain that keeps returning after treatment

Ignoring ear infections can lead to worsening pain and longer recovery times.

Protect Your Ears This Summer

Simple prevention tips can help reduce risk:

• Dry ears gently after swimming
• Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear
• Manage summer allergies early
• Address chronic congestion and sinus problems
• Seek treatment early when symptoms begin

A little prevention can save a lot of discomfort later.

Get Expert Ear Care at Atlanta ENT

At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and the team provide expert care for swimmer’s ear, middle ear infections, allergies, sinus issues, and chronic ENT concerns for patients of all ages.

If ear pain is disrupting your summer plans, do not wait for it to get worse. Call 404-891-6576 to schedule an appointment or visit the office at 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 125, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA 30342. Fast treatment can help get you back to pool season pain-free.

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.