Otolaryngology

Swimmer's Ear Responsible for Nearly a Half Billion in Health Care Costs

Swimmer's ear leads to about 2.4 million doctor visits each year and is responsible for nearly $500 million dollars in annual health care costs, according to estimates released by CDC on Thursday. The report, published in CDC's MMWR, is the first national study to estimate healthcare costs associated with this common ailment. Swimmer's ear can develop when water stays in the ear canal for a long time, allowing germs to grow and infect the skin.
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 http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/p0519_swimmersear.htm...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)