Swimmer's Ear Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Avoid any further trauma to the ear. Do not attempt to remove visible debris or drainage from the ear.
  
  
• Apply heat to the ear to control the pain at home. Warmth from a heating pad may provide some relief. Fold a towel in half and place it between the heating pad and the ear. Limit the use of the heating pad to short periods. The folded towel should help prevent accidental burning of the ear if the heating pad is too hot.
  
  
• If the person is not allergic to these, try a variety of over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil), or acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
  
  
• Nonprescription ear drops are not usually strong enough to cure the problem. Such drops are useful only for prevention of episodes after water exposure. Ear drops used for treatment of the condition must be obtained with a prescription from a doctor.