Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for an outer ear infection, also called "swimmer's ear." This happens when the skin in the ear canal gets irritated or scratched, and then gets infected.
You probably have pain in your ear canal. This is the part of the ear that goes from the outer ear to the eardrum.
The doctors might have given you antibiotic ear drops to treat the infection. It is very important to finish all the antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Use your ear drops as instructed. To use the drops:
•Warm the ear drops by holding the bottle in your hand for 1 to 2 minutes. This makes it more comfortable when you put the drops in.
•Lie on your side or tilt your head, with the affected ear facing up.
•Make sure the ear drops go into your ear canal. Move the ear to straighten the ear canal. For infants and preschool children, gently pull the ear down and toward the back of the head. For older children and adults, gently pull the ear up and toward the back of the head.
•Put the tip of the dropper close to the ear opening. Do not touch the ear with the dropper tip. Put the correct number of drops in the ear.
•With your finger, gently press or massage the small skin flap a few times. This helps the drops go into the ear.
•Stay in this position for 3 to 5 minutes after putting the drops in.
●Keep the inside of your ear dry while the infection heals. Do not swim for 7 to 10 days after starting treatment. You can take a shower, but make sure to keep the ear dry. You can put some petroleum jelly (sample brand name: Vaseline) on a cotton ball, and then put the cotton ball in your outer ear, covering the opening of your ear canal. Do not push the cotton ball into the ear canal.
●Avoid wearing hearing aids or ear buds, or putting anything into the infected ear, until your symptoms improve.
●To avoid getting more outer ear infections, do not put anything into your ears, even to clean them. If you have a lot of ear wax, talk to your regular doctor or nurse. They can look in your ears and tell you how to clean them safely.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your symptoms have not gone away after 6 days of treatment.
●Your ear bleeds or drains pus.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Outer ear infection (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use ear drops (The Basics)
Patient education: External otitis (including swimmer's ear) (Beyond the Basics)
