Need Relief for Dull Ache in the Ears

[LittleBug]

I swim twice per week, and on Sunday night I had a pool session for my Rescue Diver class. Today I am noticing that my ear aches a bit. Probably a bout of swimmers ear coming on.

Any advice for relief? Am I crazy to think it'll clear up by Saturday when I do the open water sessions? I bought some homeopathic stuff on the way into work this morning, and am thinking I'll need something a little more antibacterial to blow this thing away.

 

[Pathfinder]

I think it might be time to see the doc. If you get into the doctor today and start the medication right away it should have a chance to clear up enough to go into a pool come Saturday.

 

[Ber Rabbit]

You can try a 50/50 mix of alcohol and white vinegar and leave it in your ear for 5 minutes, if whatever is in your ear hasn't set up house yet this may help.
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[DandyDon]

If you try to ignore these, you can become very, very sorry. :11:

 

[TSandM]

The problem is that none of us can really diagnose what's causing the ear pain over the internet. Swimmer's ear, or external otitis, once it has gotten established, requires antibiotics which you cannot buy over the counter. On the other hand, barotrauma (which is possible from sessions involving multiple ascents and descents, even within pool depths, as you may have done during the Rescue class) can cause a dull ache which will generally resolve without treatment.

Depending on your experience (Have you had swimmer's ear before? Does this feel the same?) and your ease of access to medical care, you may want just to get in and see your doctor to find out if you need prescription meds. Otherwise, you could choose the "wait and see" approach and treat the discomfort symptomatically. Worsening symptoms would definitely mandate medical evaluation.

Obviously, these are the available options, and do not represent specific medical advice for you as an individual in this case, as no adequate evaluation can be done over the net.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi TSandM,

Amazing how frequently treatment precedes diagnosis on this forum, isn't it?

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[LittleBug]

I haven't had any issues with my ears since I was a kid.

My right ear itches on the inside. I went out and got some alcohol, peroxide and vinegar, and made a 1:1:1 concoction at my desk here at work. As I type I am tilting my head to the side. (Have I mentioned that I started my job here a week ago? They probably think I am weird. LOL)

I am actually going to my doc tomorrow for something else, so I will ask about it then.

 

[Pathfinder]

Hi TSandM,

Amazing how frequently treatment precedes diagnosis on this forum, isn't it?

Regards,

DocVikingo

In the OP's case it seems they do not want to miss Saturday so I posted that the OP may want to get a quick diagnosis rather than wait. I have had inner ear problems in the past and needed antibiotics to fix me up so I know from past experience that it's going to need a few days to work. Why wait until it's too late. A quick visit to the family Doc and you'll KNOW what's wrong and what's needed to fix it.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Pathfinder,

You didn't recommend a specific treatment, e.g., drying/acidifying ear drops, but rather pursuit of a diagnosis by seeing a doctor. This was entirely appropriate.

Peace,

DocVikingo

 

[Pathfinder]

:57: ............

Dave