Swimmer’s Ear Treatment in Los Angeles

Restoring Your Ability to Swim and Enjoy the Water Again

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ENT Conditions

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Overview Causes & Symptoms Treatments Why Daneshrad

Overview

Santa Monica, Los Angeles, & Torrance Ear Care for Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer’s ear is a painful and annoying inflammation and irritation of the ear canal that can prevent you from enjoying the pool and the beach. At our ENT clinic in Santa Monica and Torrance, you’ll receive expert swimmer’s ear treatment, ensuring quick relief from pain and discomfort while protecting your ear health so you can get back in the water.

What Is Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an outer ear canal infection that occurs when water gets trapped inside, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can thrive. It’s different from middle ear infections, as it primarily affects the outer portion of the ear canal. While bacteria cause most cases, other irritants such as earwax buildup, excessive cleaning, or using devices like earbuds can also contribute to the development of swimmer's ear.

Causes & Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer’s ear often starts with mild symptoms but can worsen if left untreated. Common symptoms include:

Itching in the ear canal: Often an early sign of infection.
Redness or swelling: Visible in the ear or the ear canal.
Discomfort or ear pain: Ranging from mild to severe, especially when the outer ear is touched or moved.
Drainage from the ear: A clear fluid that may become yellow or pus-like as the infection progresses.
Hearing loss: A blocked ear canal can cause temporary hearing issues.
A feeling of fullness in the ear: Caused by swelling or trapped fluid.

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What Causes Swimmer's Ear?

The primary cause of swimmer’s ear is prolonged exposure to moisture, which can result from swimming, bathing, or other water activities. When water remains trapped in the ear, it creates an ideal environment for bacterial or fungal infections. Other contributing factors include:

Excessive earwax removal: Over-cleaning the ears can strip away protective earwax, making the ear more vulnerable to infection.
Inserting foreign objects: Using cotton swabs, earbuds, or hearing aids can irritate the ear canal or introduce bacteria.
Skin conditions: Eczema or psoriasis in the ear canal can increase the risk of swimmer’s ear.

Treatments

How is Swimmer's Ear Treated?

Treatment for swimmer’s ear is typically straightforward, aimed at clearing the infection and relieving symptoms. Common relief for swimmer’s ear treatments in Los Angeles include:

Prescription Ear Drops: Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops are the most common treatment for eliminating infection. In cases of severe swelling, corticosteroid drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Cleaning the Ear Canal: Dr. Daneshrad may clean the ear canal to remove debris or buildup, ensuring the ear drops reach the infected area effectively.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort during treatment.
Keeping the Ear Dry: Avoiding water exposure during the healing process is essential. Dr. Daneshrad may recommend wearing earplugs while bathing or swimming to prevent further irritation.

Why daneshrad clinic

Find the Best Swimmer's Ear ENT Doctor in Los Angeles

Leading ENT specialist and swimmer’s ear doctor in Los Angeles, Dr. Daneshrad, provides comprehensive care for swimmer’s ear, delivering prompt and effective treatments to relieve your symptoms and prevent future infections. Whether you're an active swimmer or simply struggling with ear discomfort, Dr. Daneshrad and his team are dedicated to ensuring your ear health. Our convenient locations serve patients with swimmer’s ear symptoms throughout Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Torrance, and nearby communities, including Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.

Treatment options

Tympanoplasty

Eustachian Tube Dilation

Micro-Chisel Exostectomy