If you’ve ever found yourself on vacation with a cranky, ear-tugging toddler, you’re not alone. For many families, ear infections are a rite of passage — especially during summer when pool days are in full swing. But why do kids seem to catch more ear infections than adults? And what’s really the difference between a “regular” ear infection and swimmer’s ear? We asked Dr. Kristen Pickering, a pediatrician with Cleveland Clinic Children’s, to help clear things up.
The Inside Scoop:
What Kind of Ear Infection Is It?
There are actually two common types of ear infections: middle ear infections and outer ear infections, also known as swimmer’s ear.
“Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, usually caused by water trapped in the ear,” Pickering says. “It causes pain when touching the ear, redness, swelling and sometimes discharge.”
Middle ear infections, or otitis media, are different. “They occur behind the eardrum, often as a complication of an upper respiratory infection. This type can cause ear pain, fever, and difficulty hearing.”
Why Are Kids So Prone?
Blame it on anatomy. “Middle ear infections are more common in young children because their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal than adults,” Pickering says. “This makes it easier for fluid to back up into the middle ear, creating the perfect breeding ground for germs.”
In other words, kids aren’t just dramatic about their ear pain — those little tubes really do set them up for frequent infections.
Summer Spikes: Myth or Fact?
It’s true that outer ear infections spike in the summer. “They tend to occur more often when water activities are popular,” Pickering says. “On the other hand, middle ear infections are more common in the winter, coinciding with cold and flu season.”
So, if your child’s ears start hurting after a day at the lake or pool, swimmer’s ear may be the culprit.
What Parents Can Do
Luckily, there are simple steps to help prevent swimmer’s ear during warm-weather months:
Dry ears thoroughly. “Gently tilt the head to let water drain and use a soft towel to dry the ears,” Pickering says.
Use swimming earplugs. These can help keep water out of the ear canal during pool time.
Skip the cotton swabs. “Avoid using Q-tips in the ear canal,” Pickering says. “They can irritate the skin and push wax or bacteria further in.”
Limit exposure to dirty water. Natural bodies of water like lakes and ponds can harbor bacteria that increase the risk of infection.
Keep ears clean. Teach kids not to scratch or poke inside their ears, which can lead to micro-tears and open the door to bacteria.
Boost their immunity. A balanced diet, adequate sleep and good handwashing habits can help reduce upper respiratory infections that lead to middle ear problems.
Manage allergies. “Allergies can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the ears,” Pickering says. “Managing allergy symptoms may help reduce ear infection frequency.
When It’s Time to Worry
Occasional infections are common, but repeated ear trouble should raise a flag.
“For recurrent middle ear infections — three infections in six months or four in a year — it’s time to see an ENT specialist,” Pickering says. “They may screen for chronic fluid and hearing loss and discuss surgical prevention with ear tubes.”
