Swimming Season is Here: How to Avoid Swimmer’s Ear
Originally published June 14, 2018. Refreshed June 2026.
Summer is in full swing, and for families in the Roanoke and Charlottesville area, that often means long days at the pool, lake, or river. If your child spends most of their summer in the water, you have probably seen firsthand how painful swimmer's ear can be. Swimmer's ear, also known as acute external otitis or otitis externa, is an infection in the outer ear canal running from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It is most commonly caused by bacteria that invade the skin inside the ear canal after water gets trapped there following a swim.
The best way to reduce the chances of getting swimmer's ear is to take some easy precautions:
Dry your ears thoroughly with a towel after swimming
Tilt your head to each side to allow any excess water to drain
Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to help clear moisture from the ear
Wear earplugs or a swim cap when swimming, especially in open water like rivers or lakes
Earplugs remain the most effective prevention tool, but finding a pair that truly fits and stays put can be a frustrating process. Over the years, our team has tested a wide range of options, so you do not have to. Our number one recommendation is the AquaSeal Custom Floatable Swim Plugs.
AQUASEAL CUSTOM FLOATABLE SWIM PLUGS
AquaSeal plugs are custom molded to each individual ear with easy grip handles for placement and removal, clear right and left markings, and a soft, velvety silicone construction. Kids love choosing their color or swirl combination to match a swimsuit or swim team. Parents love that the plugs are bright, floatable, and consistently keep ears dry. The fitting process is quick and painless: we take an in-office ear impression, send it off with the color selections, and finished plugs arrive in 7 to 10 days. With summer already underway, now is the perfect time to get fitted before your child's next big swim day.
Ready to schedule or learn more? Give us a call. We serve patients at our Roanoke and Charlottesville offices and would love to help your family have a healthy, happy summer in the water.
