What does earache feel like with swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear affects the ear canal, often after water remains in it or the skin becomes irritated. Pain may be dull, throbbing, burning, or sharp. The opening of the ear can feel sensitive, and pulling the ear or pressing the small flap at its entrance may increase discomfort. Itching, redness, swelling, or watery discharge can occur. Hearing may seem muffled if swelling or debris narrows the canal.

Keep the ear dry and avoid swimming until symptoms settle. Do not put cotton buds, fingers, oil, or unprescribed drops into the canal. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable pain relief and whether prescription ear drops are needed; treatment depends on what the canal looks like. Avoid sharing towels, and do not try to remove discharge yourself.

Arrange medical advice if pain is increasing, discharge develops, hearing changes, or symptoms do not begin to improve. Seek urgent help for severe pain, swelling spreading around the ear, fever with marked illness, dizziness, facial weakness, or a new severe headache. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should seek advice promptly for significant ear pain.

Could the pain be coming from the ear canal, eardrum, teeth, or throat? Is the canal swollen or infected? Which drops are appropriate, and how should I keep water out while it heals?