Swimmer’s Ear vs. Ear Wax Buildup: What’s Causing Your Ear Pain This Summer?
Nothing puts a damper on a summer day faster than a painful, clogged, or muffled ear.
Between pool trips, beach days, and extra sweating in the heat, summer is peak season for ear discomfort in New Jersey families. Two of the most common culprits are swimmer’s ear and ear wax buildup. While they can feel similar, they have different causes and treatments.
Understanding what’s going on in your ear is the first step toward feeling better fast.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear (medically known as otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal—the passage that runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It’s called swimmer’s ear because it’s often triggered by water remaining in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive.
However, you don’t have to swim to develop swimmer’s ear. Hot, humid weather, scratching the ear with your fingers or cotton swabs, and skin conditions such as eczema can also lead to this painful infection.
Signs of Swimmer’s Ear Include:
- Pain that worsens when you tug on the outer ear or press the small flap in front of the ear canal
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Redness and swelling
- Clear or yellowish drainage
- A feeling of fullness or muffled hearing
- Fever in more severe cases
According to the CDC, approximately 2.4 million healthcare visits occur each year because of swimmer’s ear, with the highest rates among children ages 5 to 14. The condition is highly treatable with prescription ear drops.
What Is Ear Wax Buildup?
Ear wax (cerumen) is a natural, protective substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It traps dust, debris, and bacteria while helping keep the ears clean and moisturized. Under normal circumstances, old ear wax naturally works its way out of the ear.
Problems occur when wax accumulates faster than it can be removed naturally or when cotton swabs push the wax deeper into the ear canal. This condition is known as cerumen impaction, and it is surprisingly common.
Signs of Ear Wax Buildup Include:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Mild earache or itching
- Occasional dizziness
You’ll notice that many of these symptoms overlap with swimmer’s ear. That’s why it’s important to have your ears professionally evaluated rather than relying on over-the-counter ear drops without knowing the actual cause.
Why You Should Avoid DIY Ear Cleaning
Many people have heard the warning not to use cotton swabs inside the ear, and there’s a good reason for it.
Cotton swabs often push ear wax deeper into the ear canal, making impaction worse. Sharp or improvised objects can scratch the delicate skin inside the ear or even puncture the eardrum, leading to infection or permanent damage.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends home ear cleaning only for mild cases using over-the-counter wax-softening drops. Anyone with significant pain, hearing loss, drainage, or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Professional Ear Cleaning at Care Station Medical
At Care Station Medical, our providers safely and comfortably remove impacted ear wax using professional irrigation or gentle suction techniques.
We also perform a thorough examination of the ear canal to determine whether your symptoms are caused by ear wax buildup, swimmer’s ear, or another condition.
Professional ear cleaning usually takes only a few minutes and often provides immediate relief. During your visit, we’ll also examine your eardrum for signs of infection or injury.
How to Prevent Summer Ear Problems
Protect your ears this summer by following these simple tips:
- Keep your ears as dry as possible after swimming by tilting your head to each side to help trapped water drain out.
- Gently dry the outside of your ear with a clean towel, but never insert the towel into the ear canal.
- Consider using custom-fitted or foam earplugs while swimming, especially in lakes or public pools.
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears.
- If you wear hearing aids or earbuds, clean them regularly and give your ears time to breathe.
When to Seek Care
Visit a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Ear pain lasting longer than one or two days
- Significant hearing loss or persistent muffled hearing
- Drainage coming from the ear
- Dizziness or ringing in the ears
- Fever along with ear symptoms
- Symptoms that worsen after trying home remedies
Get Fast Ear Care in New Jersey
Don’t spend your summer dealing with a painful, clogged ear.
Care Station Medical offers same-day urgent care for earaches, professional ear cleaning, and ear infections at our convenient New Jersey locations.
Walk in without an appointment or call (908) 925-CARE (2273) today.
Our experienced providers will quickly determine the cause of your ear pain and recommend the right treatment, so you can get back to enjoying the season.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.