How to Get Rid of Swimmer's Ear

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection in the ear canal that happens to many swimmers. The ear canal is often very painful when touched. It occurs when bacteria grows in the ear canal. In the ear, ear wax protects the sensitive canal, but, with swimmer's, the constant flow of water removes too much of this protective ear wax which leaves the ear vulnerable to bacterial developments.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

ear drops
swimmer's cap
swimmer's ear plugs
heating pad
over the counter medications

Treatments for Swimmer's Ear

Step 1

Visit your family doctor. Your family doctor will be able to prescribe medications to help overcome the swimmer's ear. If they can't do this, they will give you pain medications to treat the pain. Medications are usually ear drops that will contain an antibiotic to kill the bacterial infection.
Step 2

Purchase over the counter medications to help with pain, including pain relievers. Ear drops can help relieve pain. Use a medicine dropper to place the correct dosage into the ear, being mindful of the proper directions to doing so.
Step 3

Relieve pain by placing a heating pad on the side of your head near the ear for several minutes on low heat. Repeat as necessary. In children, keep the temperature of the heating pad low, to protect their skin from being burnt.
Step 4

Do take some time off from the water. People with swimmer's ear should not get back into the water for 10 to 14 days, or until your doctor has decided the infection has cleared up. Showering and bathing is not a problem, but submersing in a pool could cause the bacteria to flare again.
Step 5

Avoid repeat occurrences by using a swimmer's cap or ear plugs to keep as much water out of the ears as possible. These are purchased at most sporting goods stores.