When your child bounds out of the pool all smiles, only to start tugging at their ear an hour later, it’s hard to know what to do. Is it just water trapped in their ear? Is it something more? Should you wait it out, or call a doctor?

You’re not alone. Ear pain after swimming is one of the most common warm-weather complaints among kids. And while most cases are harmless, there are times when it’s worth checking in with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. At ENT Medical Services, we’re here to help parents get peace of mind and kids back to their summer fun.

When Is Ear Pain After Swimming Normal?

A little discomfort after splashing in the pool isn’t always a red flag. Often, it’s just water stuck in the ear canal. This can cause a tickling feeling, muffled hearing, or mild pressure.

Try these home tips first:

• Have your child tilt their head to the side and gently tug their earlobe
  
• Use a soft towel to dry the outer ear (never insert cotton swabs)
  
• Try a warm compress near the affected ear

If the symptoms improve quickly, you’re probably in the clear!

What If the Pain Sticks Around?

If your child’s ear pain lasts more than a day, gets worse, or is paired with other symptoms, it might be more than trapped water.

Watch for signs like:

• Pain that worsens when the ear is touched
  
• Itching or drainage from the ear
  
• Redness, swelling, or a feeling of fullness
  
• Trouble hearing or fussiness in younger kids

These symptoms may point to a mild outer ear infection such as swimmer’s ear or a middle ear infection, which is common in younger children, especially those with ear tubes.

When to Call an ENT

If any of the symptoms above sound familiar, or if your child gets ear infections often, it’s a good time to connect with a specialist.

At ENT Medical Services, we work with families to get to the bottom of recurring or persistent ear pain. Learn more about our ENT Services

Our team offers:

• Kid-friendly evaluations
  
• Gentle in-office exams with fast answers
  
• Personalized care plans that fit your child’s history and needs

We believe that your child’s summer shouldn’t be derailed by ear pain, and neither should your peace of mind.

How to Help Prevent Summer Ear Pain

Want to avoid repeat ear pain episodes? Here are a few prevention tips:

• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming
  
• Use ear plugs if your child is prone to infections (check with your ENT first)
  
• Avoid swimming in lakes or untreated water
  
• Keep an eye on your child’s behavior, if they avoid water or complain after every swim, it’s time for a deeper look

Quick Relief Tips for Mild Ear Pain

If your child’s ear pain is mild, a few home remedies might help. Lying on their side can let trapped water drain naturally. A warm compress held to the ear may ease pressure. If your child doesn’t have ear tubes or a history of ear issues, a couple of drops of warm (not hot) olive oil might soothe irritation.

Trust ENT Medical Services for Kid-Friendly Ear Care

We know how tricky it can be to tell what’s normal and what’s not, especially when your child is trying to explain “that weird feeling in their ear.” Our team offers compassionate, kid-friendly ENT care that’s easy to access and centered around your family’s needs.

Wondering if your child’s ear pain is more than just water irritation? Let our ENT specialists take a look. Book an ENT visit today with ENT Medical Services. Call us at 319.351.5680 to schedule an appointment today!