Swimmer's ear drops: drying drops, prevention and when to see a doctor
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- Debrox Swimmer's Ear drying drops. Best for: Drying water-clogged ears after swimming. See options on Amazon
- Swim-EAR ear drying aid. Best for: A second drying-drop option. See options on Amazon
- Silicone swim cap. Best for: Keeping water out of the ears. See options on Amazon
What swimmer's ear is
The CDC describes swimmer's ear (acute otitis externa) as a bacterial infection usually caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal and wears down protective wax and skin. It is most often seen in children, but anyone can get it, and it is not contagious.
Symptoms the CDC lists include pain when the outer ear is tugged or pressed near the small flap in front of the ear canal, itchiness inside the ear, drainage from the ear, and redness and swelling.
Two drying drops compared
| Product | Active ingredient | Label directions |
|---|---|---|
| Debrox Swimmer's Ear | Isopropyl alcohol 95% in an anhydrous glycerin 5% base | 4 to 5 drops in each affected ear |
| Swim-EAR ear drying aid | Isopropyl alcohol 95%, anhydrous glycerin 5% base | 4 to 5 drops in each affected ear |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label. Both list the purpose as an ear drying aid that dries water in the ears and relieves water-clogged ears after swimming, showering, bathing or washing the hair.
When not to use drying drops
Both labels say to ask a doctor before use if you have ear drainage or discharge, ear pain, irritation or rash in the ear, dizziness, or have had ear surgery. Stop use and ask a doctor if irritation (too much burning) or pain occurs.
The CDC adds that you should ask your healthcare provider before using ear-drying drops and avoid them if you have ear tubes, a punctured eardrum, swimmer's ear or ear drainage. Other label warnings: the drops are flammable, so keep them away from fire or flame; do not use in the eyes; and keep out of reach of children.
CDC tips to keep ears dry
- Keep water out. Wear a bathing cap, ear plugs or custom-fitted swim molds while swimming. See our swim cap guide.
- Dry your ears after swimming or showering: tilt your head so each ear faces down, use a towel, and gently pull the earlobe to help water drain.
- Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat and fan setting, held several inches from the ear, if water remains.
- Leave ear wax alone. The CDC says ear wax helps protect the ear canal from infection, so do not try to remove it.
- Do not put objects in the ear, such as cotton swabs, pencils, paperclips or keys.
How to use swimmer's ear drops
- Use them after the ear has been in water, as the labels describe.
- Apply 4 to 5 drops in each affected ear, as both labels direct, and follow the full directions on the carton.
- Do not use in the eyes.
- Recap the bottle after each use and keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, as the Debrox label directs.
- If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
For wax buildup, which is a separate problem, see our ear wax removal kit guide and ask a doctor first if you have ear pain.
When to see a doctor
The CDC says to check with your healthcare provider if you have ear pain or drainage, and that swimmer's ear can be treated with antibiotic ear drops. Drying drops are not a substitute for that treatment. Do not keep using drying drops on an ear that hurts, itches or drains, since the labels and the CDC both say to check with a provider first. See a provider promptly for ear pain, swelling, drainage, fever, or hearing changes, and for any child with ear pain after swimming.
For goggles that keep water out of your eyes, see our swim goggles guide.
What to look for when you buy
Debrox Swimmer's Ear drying drops
Best for: Drying water-clogged ears after swimming
Its label lists isopropyl alcohol 95% in an anhydrous glycerin 5% base, 4 to 5 drops per ear.
Watch out: Not for ear pain, drainage, ear tubes or a punctured eardrum.
See options on AmazonSwim-EAR ear drying aid
Best for: A second drying-drop option
Its label lists isopropyl alcohol 95% with an anhydrous glycerin 5% base.
Watch out: Flammable; keep away from fire or flame.
See options on AmazonSilicone swim cap
Best for: Keeping water out of the ears
The CDC lists wearing a bathing cap among ways to keep ears dry while swimming.
Watch out: A cap alone may not keep all water out.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do swimmer's ear drops treat an ear infection?
- No. OTC drops are drying aids; the CDC says swimmer's ear is treated with antibiotic ear drops.
- What is in swimmer's ear drops?
- Debrox and Swim-EAR list isopropyl alcohol 95% in an anhydrous glycerin 5% base.
- Can I use drying drops with ear tubes?
- No. The CDC says avoid them if you have ear tubes or a punctured eardrum.
- How do I prevent swimmer's ear?
- Keep ears dry with a cap or ear plugs, dry them after swimming, and do not remove ear wax, the CDC says.
- Can I use a cotton swab to dry my ears?
- No. The CDC says not to put objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal.
Sources
- Preventing Swimmer's Ear (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Debrox Swimmer's Ear (isopropyl alcohol) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Swim-EAR (isopropyl alcohol) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine