Outlook

Ear drops are usually placed into the ear canal every 3 or 4 hours. It is helpful to have a second person put the ear drops in while the patient lays on their side with the affected ear facing up.

Swimmer's ear clears up within a week for most people. Pain generally goes away within 24 hours if appropriate therapy is used.

Failure to promptly reduce pain and swelling is often caused by excess debris in the canal that needs to be removed by the doctor.