When I was young it was olive oil in your ear. Are their other methods? My daughter is running a low fever and just started complaining about her one ear. She went swimming for the first time this summer a few days ago, so I think it is related to that.

I know there is a "swimmers ear" solution, but is that just to use immediately after the pool?

By Jodes on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 02:03 pm:

From my experience, the swimmers ear drops are definately helpful even several days after swimming and when the pain begins. My son and I tend to get swimmers ear easily, so we always keep the drops handy. Hope she feels better soon.

By Conni on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 03:59 pm:

I found the following on a website. I think you can also use a mix of Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide....My ds gets this, so we automatically use the swimmers ear drops after swimming now, as a prevention. Hope she feels better soon.

Prevention and Treatment of Swimmer’s Ear
Prevention and treatment of swimmer ear infection includes an easy two-step home remedy prescription.

Step one: Dry the external ear canal after swimming or bathing. Tip the head to drain the ear canal. Use a soft, clean towel to dry the outer ear (the tragus). Next, with the head tipped to the side, use the towel to enter only the first part of the ear canal to soak up any draining water.
Step two: Mix into a small dropper bottle, one part white vinegar (5% acetic acid) and one part rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol). Apply 5-15 drops of this “swimmer’s ear home remedy” into one ear canal. Tip your head (or lay down) for approximately 5 minutes to keep the preventive swimmer’s ear treatment inside the ear canal. Straighten your head and let the alcohol-acetic acid solution drain onto the towel. Dry your ear as in step one. Repeat with the other ear canal.
The use of the isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar mixture provides very good antibacterial, antifungal and drying properties. The alcohol kills bacteria and fungi and is drying to the surface of the ear canal and eardrum. The acetic acid establishes an acidic environment decreasing favorable conditions to bacteria and fungi growth.

By Dana on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 05:35 pm:

Thanks Conni, we'll give that a try.