What if swimmer's ear is not getting better?

Ongoing symptoms may mean the original irritation is still present, drops are not reaching a swollen canal, or water and scratching continue to delay recovery. The problem may also be eczema, wax, a foreign object, or an infection deeper in the ear rather than swimmer's ear alone. A clinician can inspect the canal, assess the eardrum, and decide whether cleaning, a different treatment, or further review is needed.

Book a GP Consultation for review if symptoms are not settling or are returning. Until then, keep the ear dry, avoid swimming, and do not scratch or insert objects. If prescribed drops, use them as directed and ask a pharmacist or clinician if swelling makes application difficult. Do not add leftover drops or home remedies, particularly when the eardrum has not been checked.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly increasing pain, fever, dizziness, vomiting, facial weakness, or redness spreading around the ear. Prompt review is also needed for worsening discharge or hearing loss. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should not wait for symptoms to become severe. Earache and Hearing Loss can help you describe whether the condition is changing.

Ask whether the diagnosis still fits, whether the canal needs gentle cleaning, whether the eardrum is visible, and how drops should be used. Mention missed doses, water exposure, scratching, discharge, and any new hearing change.