Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) Treatment in Canton & Ann Arbor, MI
Ear pain after swimming? Walk in for fast diagnosis and prescription ear drops — no appointment needed. Our urgent care team in Canton & Ann Arbor treats swimmer's ear quickly so you can get back to the water.
Our Convenient Locations
Canton Location
MI Express Urgent Care in Canton
44237 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188
Monday - Friday : 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday - Sunday : 10 AM - 6 PM
Ann Arbor Location
MI Express Urgent Care in Ann Arbor
80 S Zeeb Rd Unit 101 C, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Monday - Friday : 9 AM - 7 PM
Saturday - Sunday : 10 AM - 6 PM
What Is Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)?
Swimmer's ear — medically known as otitis externa — is an infection of the outer ear canal, the passage that runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It most commonly develops when water stays in the ear after swimming, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow rapidly.
Despite the name, you don't have to be a swimmer to get swimmer's ear. It can also develop from inserting fingers or cotton swabs into the ear canal, excessive cleaning, skin conditions like eczema, or damage from hearing aids and earphones. Swimmer's ear is highly treatable at urgent care and responds well to prescription ear drops when caught early.
At MI Express Urgent Care in Canton & Ann Arbor, our providers can examine your ear, confirm the diagnosis, and get you started on the right treatment — all in a single walk-in visit.
NOTE: Swimmer's ear affects the outer ear canal. Middle ear infections (otitis media) are a separate condition, more common in young children, and may require different treatment. Our team can distinguish between the two during your visit.
Swimmer's Ear Symptoms — When to See a Doctor
Swimmer's ear symptoms range from mild irritation to severe pain and hearing loss. Symptoms usually develop within a day or two of water exposure. Do not wait — untreated swimmer's ear can worsen quickly.
Mild to Moderate Symptoms
- Itching or irritation inside the ear canal
- Redness and slight swelling of the outer ear
- Mild discomfort or pain, especially when pulling on the outer ear
- Clear, odorless fluid draining from the ear
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
Moderate to Severe Symptoms
- Increasingly intense ear pain that may radiate to the neck, jaw, or side of the head
- More extensive redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Pus or discharge draining from the ear
- Muffled hearing or partial hearing loss
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
How Is Swimmer's Ear Treated at MI Express Care?
Swimmer's ear is typically straightforward to treat when seen early. When you walk into MI Express Urgent Care in Canton or Ann Arbor, our provider will examine your ear canal with an otoscope to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Treatment usually begins the same day.
Our swimmer's ear treatment approach includes:
- Otoscope examination of the ear canal
- Gentle cleaning of the outer ear canal if needed
- Prescription antibiotic or antifungal ear drops
- Acidifying ear drops to restore normal ear canal pH
- Pain management recommendations
- Instructions on keeping the ear dry during treatment
- Guidance on when to return if symptoms do not improve
Most patients see significant improvement within 2–3 days of starting ear drops, with full resolution in 7–10 days.
How to Prevent Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear is largely preventable with a few simple habits. Whether you swim recreationally, competitively, or just love the water during Michigan summers, these tips can help protect your ears:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing — tilt your head to each side to help water drain out
- Use a towel to gently dry the outer ear — do not insert the towel into the canal
- Wear properly fitted silicone earplugs while swimming, especially in lakes or pools
- Avoid inserting fingers, cotton swabs, or other objects into the ear canal
- Use over-the-counter drying ear drops after water exposure if recommended by your provider
- If you use hearing aids or earbuds frequently, ask our team about ear care routines
What Our Patients Say About Us
Walk In for Swimmer's Ear Treatment at MI Express Urgent Care
Ear pain shouldn't slow you down. Walk into MI Express Urgent Care in Canton or Ann Arbor today — no appointment needed. We're open 7 days a week and most patients are seen within an hour. Contact us if you have any questions.
We Accept Most Health Insurances
More Conditions We Treat at Urgent Care
Open 7 Days a Week! Walk In or Schedule an Appointment!
MI Express Urgent Care in Canton and Ann Arbor, MI, is committed to your health 7 days a week.
Whether you walk in or schedule a visit, we’re here every day to provide the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) affects the outer ear canal and typically causes pain when the outer ear is pulled or pressed. A middle ear infection (otitis media) causes pain deeper inside and is more common in children, often with fever. Our providers can distinguish between the two with a simple ear exam.
Mild cases may improve with over-the-counter drying drops and keeping the ear dry, but moderate to severe cases require prescription ear drops to clear the infection. If your pain is significant or has lasted more than a day or two, walk in to be seen — untreated swimmer's ear can worsen and spread.
With prescription ear drops, most patients notice improvement within 2–3 days. Full resolution typically takes 7–10 days. It is important to complete the full course of ear drops even if symptoms improve early.
Yes. You should avoid swimming, submerging your ears, or getting water in the ear canal during treatment and for a short period afterward. Your provider will advise you specifically based on severity. Water in the ear during active treatment can wash out the medication and worsen the infection.
Swimmer's ear can affect anyone at any age — both adults and children. It is actually quite common in adults who swim regularly, use earbuds frequently, or insert objects into their ears. MI Express Urgent Care treats swimmer's ear in patients of all ages.
