Summer means more time at the pool, beach, and water parks—but it can also mean more ear pain for children. If your child starts complaining about ear discomfort after swimming, you may wonder: Is it an ear infection or swimmer’s ear?
While both conditions can cause ear pain, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Often develops after a cold or respiratory illness.
Common symptoms:
• Ear pain or tugging at the ear
• Fever
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Fluid draining from the ear
Usually occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal after swimming.
Common symptoms:
• Ear pain that worsens when the ear is touched or pulled
• Itching in the ear canal
• Redness or swelling of the outer ear
• Feeling of a clogged ear
| Ear Infection | Swimmer’s Ear |
|---|---|
| Often follows a cold or respiratory illness | Often develops after swimming |
| Pain is usually deeper inside the ear | Pain often increases when the outer ear is touched or pulled |
| Fever is more common | Fever is less common |
| May cause trouble hearing due to fluid behind the eardrum | May cause a clogged or blocked sensation |
| Associated with congestion or cold symptoms | Associated with recent water exposure |
Contact your pediatrician if your child has:
• Ear pain lasting more than 24–48 hours
• Fever
• Ear drainage
• Hearing difficulties
• Significant swelling or redness
“During the summer months, we see many children with ear pain after swimming. While swimmer’s ear and ear infections can have similar symptoms, they require different treatments. The best way to help your child feel better quickly is to have their symptoms properly evaluated.”
— Dr. Bob, Medical Director
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