As summer approaches, families and friends increasingly gather at America’s beaches, lakes, and pools. But did you know that summer is the prime time for swimmer’s ear? A painful condition, swimmer’s ear can have a negative effect on your sinuses (and vice versa), and if you happen to be suffering from a sinus infection as well, it can make the condition’s symptoms feel worse. But, it is essential to differentiate between swimmer’s ear and a middle ear infection to ensure appropriate medical care.
Swimmer’s Ear and Middle Ear Infection: What’s the Difference?
Swimmer’s ear, an infection inside the outer ear canal, is frequently precipitated by water retention following swimming, promoting bacterial growth. This condition is more prevalent in children due to the narrower diameter of their ear canals, and it typically reaches its highest incidence during the summer months. In contrast, a middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum.
Identifying Symptoms
Here are the best ways to effectively differentiate between a middle ear infection and swimmer’s ear:
Locate the Pain
Swimmer’s ear occurs with pain in the outer ear canal, which tends to intensify when pulling or tugging on the earlobe. In contrast, middle ear infections result in discomfort deeper within the ear, near the eardrum, and this pain often becomes more pronounced when lying down, potentially disrupting sleep.
Observable Signs
Swimmer’s ear is characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, or a rash-like appearance in the outer ear, often accompanied by itching or foul-smelling drainage. In contrast, middle ear infections may present with fever, ear tugging, decreased appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Effects on Hearing
Both conditions may result in temporary hearing loss, frequently serving as an indicator. Hearing issues appear early on with swimmer’s ear, while effects on hearing associated with middle ear infections appear later.
Connections With Activity
Swimmer’s ear commonly occurs following activities such as swimming, bathing, or using cotton swabs for ear cleaning. Also, middle ear infections may arise after experiencing upper respiratory symptoms, including congestion, a runny nose, or watery eyes.
Treatment Options
It is advisable to consider over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for effective pain relief in either condition. Additionally, applying a warm compress may provide relief. Consulting a healthcare professional for tailored treatment recommendations is always a good idea.