Swimmer’s Ear in Kids: What Altoona Parents Should Watch for as Summer Winds Down

With warm afternoons still pushing into the mid-70s around Altoona even as evenings cool off, many local families are squeezing in the last pool days, lake trips, and creek adventures of the season. That extra time in the water — combined with humid, on-and-off rainy days — makes late summer prime time for one of the most common warm-weather complaints we see at Pediatric Healthcare Associates: swimmer’s ear.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, different from the middle-ear infections many parents are more familiar with. It develops when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria can grow. Unlike a typical ear infection that often follows a cold, swimmer’s ear usually shows up after time in a pool, lake, or bathtub — and it can develop quickly, sometimes within a day of swimming.

Signs Your Child May Have Swimmer’s Ear

Parents often notice:

Ear pain that gets worse when the outer ear is tugged or the child chews
Itching inside the ear canal before pain sets in
Redness or swelling of the ear canal, sometimes visible at the opening
Drainage of clear, then yellowish, fluid from the ear
A “full” or blocked feeling in the ear, sometimes with muffled hearing
In more advanced cases, swelling that spreads to the outer ear or surrounding skin

This is different from a middle-ear infection, which more often comes with fever, a recent cold, and pain without a clear link to swimming — though both can cause significant discomfort for a child.

Why It’s So Common in Late Summer

By late August, kids in the Altoona area have often logged weeks of pool time, plus the frequent rain we’ve seen recently means more humidity and more opportunities for water to linger in little ears. Ear canals that don’t fully dry out between swims are especially prone to irritation and infection, and swimmer’s ear tends to spike right around the final weeks of summer before pools close for the season.

When to Bring Your Child In

Swimmer’s ear doesn’t improve on its own the way some viral illnesses do — it typically needs prescription ear drops to clear. If your child is tugging at their ear, complaining of pain when you touch their ear, or has any drainage, it’s a good reason to schedule a same-day sick visit. Seek care promptly, and sooner rather than later, if you notice significant swelling, fever, or pain that’s rapidly

worsening, since untreated swimmer’s ear can spread beyond the ear canal.

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear for the Rest of the Season

A few simple habits go a long way in the final stretch of swim season:

Dry ears thoroughly with a towel after swimming or bathing, tilting the head to each side ● Use a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting held a few inches away to help evaporate trapped water
Avoid cotton swabs inside the ear canal, which can push moisture and debris deeper ● Ask your provider about over-the-counter or homemade drying drops for kids who swim frequently ● Consider well-fitted swim earplugs for children prone to recurring ear issues

We’re Here for Your Family All Season Long

Our team at both the Altoona and Roaring Spring offices sees swimmer’s ear regularly this time of year and can get your child comfortable quickly. If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing fits swimmer’s ear or something else, try our Symptom Checker or check our FAQ page for more guidance.