Very painful swimmer's ear: when to get help

The skin of the outer ear canal is sensitive, so inflammation can make pain sharp or throbbing. Swimmer's ear often causes tenderness when the outer ear or the small flap at the canal entrance is touched. Swelling may create pressure, itching, discharge, or muffled hearing. Severe pain can also occur with conditions other than swimmer's ear, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

Keep the ear dry and leave the canal alone. Do not use cotton buds, leftover antibiotics, or homemade drops, particularly if there is discharge, a tube, a known eardrum problem, or recent surgery. You may use a labelled pain medicine if it is suitable for you. A clinician can examine the canal and eardrum, remove obstructing material when needed, and select drops that address inflammation or infection.

Seek same-day medical advice for severe or rapidly worsening pain, significant swelling, discharge, or new hearing loss. Get urgent help if pain spreads around the ear, fever comes with marked illness, the ear pushes outward, or you develop facial weakness, dizziness, or a severe headache. Do not delay assessment if you have diabetes or reduced immunity.

Ask whether the eardrum is intact, what is driving the pain, which drops or pain relief are suitable, how to keep the ear dry, and what improvement to expect after treatment begins.