1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ear Infection Quiz
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Rahul K. Shah, MD, FAAP, FACS

Rahul K. Shah, MD, FAAP, FACS

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Ear drops are usually placed into the ear canal two to three times a day. It is helpful to have a second person put the ear drops in while the patient lies on their side with the affected ear facing up. The person should lie on the opposite side of the head when the drops are placed to allow the drops to soak in the ear, and not run out of the ear canal (if the patient prematurely stands 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.

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