How Long Does Swimmer’s Ear Last Without Treatment?

At first, it’s just a weird itch.. Maybe some water is trapped in your ear from days ago.

You shrug it off. But then the itching turns into pressure with constant pain. Then sleep becomes hard, and sound feels muffled.

Now you’re wondering: Is this just going to go away… or is something actually wrong?

That slow-building, stubborn discomfort might be swimmer’s ear and if left untreated, it doesn’t always play nice.

So, how long does it last if you don’t treat it? And what happens if you just wait it out?

In this blog, we break down the real timeline of untreated swimmer’s ear, what symptoms you need to take seriously, and when it’s time to consult a doctor.

Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is characterised by symptoms that are easy to ignore initially, but if you don’t take your symptoms seriously, they can worsen.

That’s why managing your symptoms at the right time is essential to prevent further complications.

The most common symptoms that could show that you have a swimmer’s ear are mentioned below:

• Fever
• Itching in the ear canal
• Mild discomfort in the ear 
• Fluid coming out of the ear
• Redness in your outer ear

If the infection progresses, you might notice:

• Increased pain, sometimes sharp or throbbing
• Muffled hearing or reduced sound clarity
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes near the jaw or neck

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best not to wait and contact an urgent care clinic nearby. 

If you’re in Indiana or Illinois, you can visit Family Urgent Care at one of our four convenient locations, including Chicago and Schererville, for fast, expert care.

Is It Safe to Swim with Swimmer’s Ear? 

The short answer is no and here’s why. 

Swimmer’s ear happens when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. 

If you keep swimming while infected, you’re not just adding more moisture; you’re giving the infection room to spread and become more painful.

The more irritated your ear becomes, the longer it takes to heal and in some cases, that could lead to complications like severe inflammation or hearing issues.

• Avoid swimming or submerging your head until your symptoms are completely gone.
• Follow your provider’s instructions if you’re using prescription ear drops or medication.

If you notice swelling, pain, or discharge in the ear, it’s best to stay dry and seek care early rather than risk a prolonged infection.

How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear?

If you swim regularly or even just take long showers, a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your ears healthy and infection-free.

Dr. Asrar Sheikh, lead provider at Family Urgent Care, gives a few tips to prevent swimmers ear: 

• Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Use a towel or tilt your head to let water drain naturally.
• Use waterproof earplugs or a swim cap to keep excess moisture out if you’re prone to infections.
• Avoid inserting anything into your ears, including cotton swabs, as they can irritate the ear canal and increase infection risk.
• Maintain good ear hygiene, but skip harsh cleanings.
  

“If you notice early signs like swelling, fluid drainage, or discomfort, it’s smart to get it checked before it worsens,” he adds. 

Can Swimmer’s Ear Go Away on Its Own? 

In some cases, yes. Mild swimmer’s ear can clear up without prescription medication, especially if caught early.

If symptoms are limited to slight itching or discomfort, you may be able to manage them at home by:

• Keeping your ear dry
• Avoiding further water exposure
• Using over-the-counter drying drops (if recommended by a healthcare provider)
  

But if you notice worsening pain, discharge, muffled hearing, or no improvement within a few days, it’s time to seek medical care. 

Left untreated, swimmer’s ear can become more painful, harder to treat, and may even lead to complications like deeper infections.

Note: Swimmer’s ear isn’t contagious but it won’t resolve if ignored.

Don’t wait for it to get worse. When in doubt, let a medical professional take a look.

When to See a Doctor for Swimmer’s Ear?

Here’s when you should stop self-treating and see a healthcare provider immediately:

1. Persistent or worsening pain

If ear pain becomes sharp, intense, or keeps you up at night, especially if it worsens over time, it’s time to get it checked.

2. Visible swelling or redness

Swelling around the outer ear or inflammation in the ear canal is a red flag that the infection may be getting worse.

3. Drainage from the ear

Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge often points to an active infection. You may need prescription ear drops or antibiotics.

4. Fever or swollen lymph nodes

A fever or tender lumps near your ear or jaw may signal the infection spreading beyond the ear canal.

Prompt treatment can prevent complications like prolonged infections, abscesses, or even hearing problems.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar or your ear just isn’t improving, it’s better to act sooner rather than later.

Get Treated Fast at Family Urgent Care

If your ear pain, itching, or hearing changes aren’t improving, you don’t have to wait it out.

At Family Urgent Care, our experienced providers are ready to treat swimmer’s ear quickly and effectively. 

We’ll examine your symptoms, gently clean the ear canal if needed, and prescribe the right medication to relieve pain and stop the infection in its tracks.

You can even walk into the clinic in Chicago and Schererville without going through the hassle of booking an appointment. 

So, don’t let swimmer’s ear affect your whole day!