Home treatment for otitis externa

Otitis externa, often called swimmer's ear, is inflammation of the ear canal between the outer ear and eardrum. Water, scratching, earbuds, hearing aids, or skin conditions can damage the canal's protective surface. Pain may worsen when the outer ear is pulled, and itching, redness, swelling, or discharge can occur.

Blocked hearing can happen when swelling or debris narrows the canal. Ear pain and hearing changes can have other causes, so an examination is useful before putting drops into the ear.

Keep water, shampoo, and soap out of the affected ear while it heals. During bathing, protect the entrance gently without pushing anything into the canal. Do not use cotton buds, fingers, oils, or leftover ear drops unless a clinician has advised them.

Use a suitable pain reliever according to its label and your health needs. A pharmacist can help you choose safely. Prescription ear drops may be needed to treat inflammation or infection, but the correct product depends on the condition of the eardrum and canal.

Arrange a GP consultation promptly for significant pain, pus or blood, new hearing loss, fever, spreading redness, or symptoms that are worsening. Seek urgent help for swelling around the ear, severe headache, facial weakness, confusion, or feeling seriously unwell, especially if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Ask whether the eardrum can be seen safely, which drops are appropriate, how to keep the canal dry, and when hearing should return. Mention recent swimming, ear cleaning, earbuds, skin problems, and any previous ear surgery.