Swimmer’s Ear Treatment in Hammonton, NJ
Swimming is a popular summertime activity in New Jersey, which boasts plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, a long Atlantic coastline, and many lakes, rivers, and pools. People looking to cool off near Hammonton have several options, including Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest, Hammonton Swim Club, and several ocean beaches within driving distance, such as Brigantine, Margate City, and Ocean City.
While aquatic activities can be refreshing and fun, they can also lead to certain health concerns, especially ear infections. If you experience ear pain after spending time in the water, you might be dealing with swimmer’s ear. Also known as acute otitis externa, this common condition occurs when bacteria or fungi infect the outer ear canal. At Cooper Urgent Care, we can provide prompt and effective swimmer’s ear treatment to help relieve the discomfort and prevent complications.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear occurs when water becomes trapped inside the ear canal, creating a warm, moist environment where germs can thrive. This can lead to an infection, particularly if the skin inside the ear is scratched or irritated by a cotton swab, earbud, or hearing aid. Although any moisture left inside the ear can cause swimmer’s ear, swimming in unclean water or a chlorinated pool can increase the risk. Although chlorine is an effective disinfectant, it can dry out the ear canal and disrupt the natural protective barrier of earwax.
The key to preventing swimmer’s ear is keeping the ears clean and dry. This can be achieved by drying the ears thoroughly after swimming and showering. For further protection, it can be helpful to wear earplugs or a swim cap. It is also important to avoid inserting cotton swabs and other objects into the ears, which can cause irritation and introduce bacteria.
Signs of Swimmer’s Ear
If you have swimmer’s ear, you may experience:
- Dull ear pain or itchiness, especially when the ear is touched or moves with chewing
- Redness or swelling around the opening of the ear canal
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Muffled hearing or a sensation of fullness in the ear
Early treatment is important to relieve the symptoms quickly and stop the infection from spreading.
Walk-In Care for Swimmer’s Ear
Cooper Urgent Care offers professional swimmer’s ear treatment with no appointment necessary. Our medical team can examine your ear, determine the cause of your symptoms, and recommend appropriate care. Treatment may include prescription ear drops to reduce inflammation and resolve the infection, along with guidance on how to protect the ear while it heals.
Visit Cooper Urgent Care in Hammonton
If you are looking for fast and reliable swimmer’s ear treatment in Hammonton, NJ, visit Cooper Urgent Care today. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week with extended hours to serve you. Walk in or contact us today to learn more about our services.
