Symptoms and Treatment for Summer Ear Infections

Many parents assume that ear infections are more likely in the fall and winter during the cold and flu seasons. However, the reality is that summer ear infections are just as likely. If your child or teen complains of pain or a feeling of fullness in their ears, seeking treatment is crucial. 

At Sunny Hill Pediatrics, Dr. Jung and our caring team have years of experience diagnosing and treating summer ear infections. Here, we explain why summer ear infections occur, highlight common symptoms to watch out for, and discuss potential treatments.

Why are ear infections so common during the summer months?

Several factors make summer a prime time for ear infections. 

First, many kids enjoy water activities like swimming, diving, and paddle boarding this time of year. Spending time underwater exposes the ear canal to germs and can cause water to become trapped in the ears. 

Second, warm temperatures and high humidity allow bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful microorganisms. Combined, these factors make ear infections increasingly likely.

Are there different types of summer ear infections?

Dr. Jung and our team treat several types of summer ear infections, including:

Swimmer’s ear

Swimmer’s ear is the term for an infection of the outer ear canal. It occurs when water gets trapped inside the ear, creating a hospitable environment for bacteria to thrive.

Middle ear infections (otitis media)

Otitis media refers to an infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum (the middle ear). Children are especially susceptible to these infections because their Eustachian tubes — narrow passageways that run from the middle ear to the back of the throat — are smaller than in adults. This makes them more likely to trap bacteria and water.

What are the symptoms of summer ear infections?

Summer ear infection symptoms include:

• Itching in the ear canal
• Redness
• Mild discomfort
• Clear ear drainage
• Ear pain (especially when lying down)
• Decreased or muffled hearing
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping

Infants and small children with ear infections often cry more than usual and may tug or pull at their ears. 

How are summer ear infections diagnosed?

Dr. Jung diagnoses ear infections during an in-office exam. He reviews your child’s medical records and asks about their symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and if they’ve worsened during the last 24-48 hours.

Next, Dr. Jung completes several tests, including:

An ear canal exam

During this test, Dr. Jung uses a handheld tool with a light on the end, called an otoscope, to view your child’s ear canal. Tissue that’s red, swollen, or scaly often indicates swimmer’s ear. 

Pneumatic otoscope

If your child doesn’t have visible symptoms of swimmer’s ear, Dr. Jung uses another tool, called a pneumatic otoscope, to look for fluid behind their eardrum. The pneumatic otoscope lets Dr. Jung puff air up against the eardrum. 

In a healthy ear, this air pressure causes the eardrum to move. If your child has an ear infection, little or no movement occurs because of fluid buildup. 

An assessment of your child’s eardrum

Ear infections can present similar symptoms to eardrum damage. Dr. Jung looks at your child’s eardrum to ensure it isn’t torn or damaged.

How are summer ear infections treated?

Treatment of summer ear infections depends on several factors, including the type of ear infection your child has and the severity of their symptoms. Dr. Jung might recommend:

• Cleaning the outer eardrum to remove discharge and buildup
• Steroid eardrops to reduce inflammation
• Antibacterial eardrops to fight a bacterial infection
• Antifungal eardrops to fight a fungal infection
• Over-the-counter pain medication to reduce discomfort

Most children respond well to these measures. However, if your child has a history of chronic ear infections, Dr. Jung might recommend ear tubes. Ear tubes are small, hollow tubes implanted in your child’s eardrum. They prevent fluid from building up in the middle ear and fall out on their own after 4-18 months.

Contact Sunny Hill Pediatrics today if your child or teen is experiencing ear infection symptoms. Call the office in Frisco, Texas today, or book your appointment online.