Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection of the outer ear canal that often develops after water gets trapped inside the ear. If you’ve been prescribed antibiotic ear drops to treat it, you may be wondering– how long will it take to feel better? The good news is that swimmer’s ear usually responds quickly to treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down what to expect during recovery, how long symptoms last, and what you can do to support healing.
For same-day swimmer’s ear treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9. Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. Just walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is most often caused by bacteria, though sometimes fungi can be the culprit. It develops when water remains in the ear canal– usually after swimming, bathing, or showering– creating a warm, moist environment where germs can thrive. In addition to trapped moisture, other factors that can increase your risk include using cotton swabs, wearing earbuds or hearing aids, and having certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis in the ear area.
How Long Does Swimmer’s Ear Last With Treatment?
With appropriate treatment, mild to moderate cases of swimmer’s ear usually improve within 2 to 3 days, and most people fully recover in 7 to 10 days. Here’s a general recovery timeline:
- Day 1-2: After starting antibiotic ear drops, you may notice some relief in pain and swelling within the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Day 3-5: Pain continues to decrease, drainage may subside, and hearing may begin to improve.
- Day 7-10: The infection should be mostly or fully resolved with little to no discomfort.
Even if your symptoms start improving within a couple of days, it’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Stopping treatment early can allow the infection to come back or worsen.
Tips To Help Swimmer’s Ear Heal Faster
While antibiotics do the heavy lifting, you can support the healing process by following a few simple guidelines:
- Keep the ear dry. Avoid swimming, baths, or getting water in the ear until the infection is fully healed.
- Use your drops correctly. Lie on your side, gently pull the ear up and back (for adults), and stay in position for 3-5 minutes after applying drops to help them soak in.
- Avoid touching your ear. Don’t use Q-tips, fingers, or earphones during recovery, as this can irritate the area or push the infection deeper.
- Use OTC medications to help relieve discomfort while antibiotics do their job.
Get Same-Day Swimmer’s Ear Relief at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9
With prompt antibiotic treatment, swimmer’s ear typically clears up in about a week, with noticeable improvement within just a few days. If you’re experiencing swimmer’s ear, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9. Stop by today for fast, convenient treatment so you can get back to feeling your best! We accept most health insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for those without insurance. For more information on swimmer’s ear treatment, or the other services we provide, please call us directly at (908) 570-5801 to speak with a member of our team.
