Swimmer's Ear
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Fast Relief for Swimmer's Ear Pain
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is a painful infection of the outer ear canal that requires prompt medical evaluation and prescription treatment. We provide comprehensive ear examinations, accurate diagnosis, and prescription ear drops to eliminate infection and relieve pain quickly. Walk-ins welcome at both Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily 8am-8pm.
Signs You May Have Swimmer's Ear
- Ear pain that worsens when pulling on the outer ear or earlobe
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Redness or swelling of the outer ear
- Drainage of clear, yellow, or pus-like fluid from the ear
- Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Decreased hearing or muffled sounds
- Pain when chewing or moving the jaw
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes around the ear or neck
- Fever (in more severe cases)
- Severe pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
How We Diagnose & Treat Swimmer's Ear
Our medical providers perform thorough ear examinations using specialized equipment to visualize the ear canal and confirm the diagnosis. We assess infection severity, check for complications, and prescribe appropriate antibiotic ear drops tailored to your condition. Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24-48 hours of starting treatment.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Diagnostic Capabilities
Recovery Timeline & Prevention
According to the CDC, most cases of swimmer's ear improve within 7-10 days with proper treatment. Pain typically decreases significantly within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic ear drops. Complete the full course of medication even if symptoms improve. Keep ears dry during treatment - avoid swimming and use cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly during showers. Prevent future infections by drying ears thoroughly after water exposure and avoiding cotton swabs in the ear canal. Return for follow-up if symptoms worsen, fever develops, or pain persists beyond 48 hours of treatment. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. For urgent but non-emergency conditions, visit True Compassion Urgent Care at either our Palm Beach Gardens or Stuart location. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Available at Both Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
No appointment is necessary. We welcome walk-ins daily from 8am to 8pm at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. Swimmer's ear can be quite painful, so we prioritize getting you evaluated and treated promptly.
Most patients notice significant pain relief within 24-48 hours of starting antibiotic ear drops. However, it's essential to complete the full course of treatment (typically 7-10 days) to fully eliminate the infection and prevent recurrence. If you don't notice improvement within 48 hours, return for re-evaluation.
No, you should avoid swimming and keep your ears completely dry during treatment. Water exposure can wash away the medication and worsen the infection. Most medical providers recommend waiting at least 7-10 days after completing treatment before returning to swimming. We'll provide specific guidance based on your condition severity.
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) affects the outer ear canal, while middle ear infections (otitis media) occur behind the eardrum. Swimmer's ear typically causes pain when you pull on your outer ear or earlobe, while middle ear infections usually don't. Our medical providers can distinguish between these conditions through examination and provide appropriate treatment for each.
Over-the-counter ear drops may provide temporary relief but typically don't contain the antibiotics needed to eliminate the bacterial infection causing swimmer's ear. Prescription antibiotic ear drops are necessary for effective treatment. According to medical guidelines, untreated swimmer's ear can lead to complications including chronic infection or spread to surrounding tissues.
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), and a list of current medications or allergies. If you've had swimmer's ear before, information about previous treatments can be helpful. This allows our medical providers to prescribe the most effective medication for your situation.
Prevention strategies include drying ears thoroughly after swimming or showering, using earplugs during water activities, avoiding cotton swabs or other objects in the ear canal, and considering preventive ear drops (such as diluted vinegar solutions) after water exposure. Our providers can recommend specific prevention methods based on your lifestyle and risk factors.
Visit urgent care for typical swimmer's ear symptoms. Seek emergency care if you experience severe facial swelling, high fever with confusion, sudden hearing loss in both ears, severe dizziness, or signs of infection spreading beyond the ear. These may indicate serious complications requiring immediate emergency evaluation.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on this information for emergency medical treatment.
No physician-patient relationship is created by viewing this content. This information does not replace in-person evaluation and treatment by a licensed medical professional.
Ready to Get Care?
Walk-ins welcome at both locations. Open daily 8am-8pm.