Swimmer’s ear drops are topical medications designed to manage or prevent acute otitis externa, an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal often caused by trapped moisture. These products fall into two main categories: over-the-counter drying solutions and prescription treatments. Over-the-counter drops typically contain isopropyl alcohol and glycerin, with the alcohol acting as a drying agent to evaporate excess water and the glycerin soothing the ear canal skin. Prescription drops, conversely, usually combine an antibiotic to fight bacteria, a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, and sometimes an acidic solution to restore the ear’s natural slightly acidic environment.
Preparing the Drops and Ear Canal
Before application, check the bottle’s expiration date and confirm the liquid is clear and free of particles. You should also wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing contaminants into the ear canal or the medication bottle. Applying cold drops can cause temporary dizziness, so warm the bottle by holding it in your hand for a few minutes to bring the liquid closer to body temperature.
The person receiving the drops should lie down on their side or tilt their head so the affected ear faces directly upward. For the drops to penetrate effectively, the ear canal must be straightened by gently pulling the outer ear.
Precise Application Technique
To straighten the ear canal in adults, gently pull the outer ear upward and backward. For children, the outer ear should instead be pulled downward and backward to align the more horizontally sloped canal. This difference ensures the medication can reach the deepest parts of the canal.
Hold the dropper tip just above the ear canal opening and dispense the correct number of drops. Ensure the tip never touches the ear or any other surface, as contact can contaminate the dropper and the medication. Once the drops are in place, the head should remain tilted for three to five minutes for the medicine to coat the ear canal.
To help the drops move deeper, gently press the small flap of cartilage at the entrance of the ear, called the tragus, in an in-and-out motion. After the waiting period, gently wipe away any excess liquid from the outer ear with a clean tissue, avoiding insertion of the tissue into the canal itself.
Duration and Frequency of Use
The frequency of application depends on the product and its purpose. For an active infection, prescription drops are often used three or four times daily. Preventive drying drops are typically used once after swimming or bathing, whenever water is introduced into the ear. Always adhere to the schedule and dosage specified by the product label or your healthcare provider.
The total duration of treatment for an infection is usually between seven and ten days, even if symptoms improve quickly. Stopping antibiotic drops prematurely can lead to a recurrence of the infection with potentially drug-resistant bacteria. Between uses, store drops according to the manufacturer’s instructions, generally at room temperature.
Recognizing When to Stop or Seek Medical Help
Never use over-the-counter drying drops containing alcohol or acidic solutions if you have a known or suspected perforated eardrum or ear tubes. This can cause severe pain and potentially damage the inner ear. If a perforation is present, only specific non-ototoxic prescription drops, such as those containing ciprofloxacin, should be used.
Discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe, worsening pain, a rash around the ear, or a fever. Professional evaluation is also necessary if initial symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment. Persistent drainage from the ear canal or any sudden change in hearing are also signals that a medical professional needs to assess the condition.