Seven Facts About Swimmer's Ear Costs and Incidence

1. Swimmer's ear leads to about 2.4 million doctor visits each year
2. Swimmer's ear is responsible for nearly $500 million dollars in annual health care costs
3. In 2007, 1 in 123 Americans went to the doctor for swimmer's ear
4. Between 2003 and 2007, rates of doctor's visits for swimmer's ear were highest in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years
5. More than half of the reported infections occurred in adults over age 20
6. 44 percent of cases occurring in June, July or August
7. Average cost per case of $200 for patients who didn't need hospitalization

Notes: Swimmer's ear can develop when water stays in the ear canal for a long time, allowing germs to grow and infect the skin
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Source URL: http://cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/p0519_swimmersear.html

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