How effective is GP consultation for swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal. A GP may ask about recent swimming, water exposure, itching, discharge and pain when the outer ear is touched or moved. Looking into the canal helps distinguish this problem from middle-ear infection, a foreign object or irritation from earbuds or cotton buds.

The consultation can show whether the canal is swollen or blocked and whether drops can be used safely. Treatment may involve prescribed ear drops and advice about keeping water out. Tablets are not suitable for every case, so use only treatment recommended for your findings.

Keep the ear dry, avoid swimming until symptoms settle, and do not put cotton buds, fingers or unapproved drops into the canal. Use prescribed drops exactly as directed and ask how to position the head so the medicine enters the canal. Tell the GP about ear tubes, previous ear surgery, diabetes or reduced immunity because these details can affect the assessment.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever, spreading redness or swelling, dizziness, new hearing loss, facial weakness or discharge with marked illness. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should seek prompt advice for significant ear pain or discharge because complications may develop more quickly.

Ask which drops are suitable, how to use them if the canal feels blocked, when swimming can restart, how to manage pain, and which changes mean the ear needs another examination.