Summer swimming season may be over, but you can still get swimmer's ear – and you don't even need to go in the water

Both children and adults are susceptible to the ear infection known as "swimmer's ear." Kay Blaschke/Stock4B-RF via Getty Images

Many forms of ear infections strike children and adults alike, but among the most common is acute otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear.

About 10% of Americans will experience swimmer’s ear during their lifetimes. Adults are affected more commonly, and children only rarely, generally ages 5 to 12.