Brine
07-17-2013, 08:49 AM
So, I did a quick search to see if someone else had covered this topic, but nobody has that I found, so here goes.
I get Swimmer's Ear at the drop of a hat, even when I get into the shower, I risk it. Normally, I take super careful precautions (ear plugs, blow dry my ears out, etc.) But, even then, the nasty little guy sneaks his way in. Right now, I'm in the middle of a battle with it, and it's a perfect time to let you in on a few of my pointers for getting rid of it in just a couple days. And with spending oh, less than 20 dollars.
Everybody knows how expensive doctors can be, especially if, like me, you're not covered by medical insurance. But I've consulted with my grandpa, who's a doctor, he gave me a recipe for medicine that uses things you, usually, should have in your home. And the recipe and instructions are as follows.
First thing's first: This is an optional, but highly recommended step. You take a Q-tip end and dip it into some Peroxide, put a drop or two into your ear and let it sit for a second. My grandpa calls this "Cooking". What this does is loosen up all the wax buildup in your ear canal, so the drops work easier. Also optional is using cortizone cream around the outer part of the inside of your ear. (I've never done this part, and not sure what it's supposed to help, but...thought I should mention it in any case.)
Ear Drop:When you go to the doctor, he'll probably prescribe ear drops to help clean everything out. You can make your own for about three to five dollars.
You will need, 70% Isopropyl alcohol (Doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just rubbing alcohol. 80 cents to about $1.20 depending on where you get it), and White (Important!) Vinegar. (Starts at around 75 cents, at least where I am..)
You make a mixture that is two parts vinegar and three parts alcohol, and give it a good shake. Now, here you can either use an eye dropper, or a cotton ball soaked in your mix, either one, just make sure you get three good drops in your ear. Now, here's the catch. Because it's alcohol and vinegar, it WILL sting. But you grit your teeth and move on, because the burn definitely says it's working, getting the bad stuff out and drying out all the trapped water. Keep your head tilted to one side after dropping for about 60 seconds to make sure the drops work their way all the way in (You'll feel it), then put a dry bit of cotton into your ear to keep the drops from draining out. Change the cotton every couple of hours. This will go an extremely long way into getting that nasty infection out of your system. Yes, the painful popping is still there, but that's unavoidable no matter which route you go with treatment.
Sudafed! This nifty little decongestant is a must to help keep everything open. One thing I've learned in nearly sixteen years of swimmer's ear, is that you appreciate not having your ears plugged up. It also helps for when you need to use the drops, because they have to go all the way down. So, keep Sudafed high on the shopping list.
Aspirin/Ibuprofen: Swimmer's Ear, like any other ear infection, hurts. To alleviate the pain, take a pain killer as needed. You may already have some of this in your own home.
A Hot washcloth/rag: Every night, during your downtime, or whenever the need hits, get a wet washrag/cloth as hot as you can stand it, usually popping it in the microwave for thirty seconds does it., then hold it just beneath or behind your ear. Sometimes the congestion and pressure builds up there, going down your neck. Using the hot rag will alleviate the pressure. It's like using a heating pad on a stiff joint. It feels great and takes the pain away a little.
And there you have it! I really hope I helped someone somewhere who is having the same problem I have with Swimmer's ear. Now, I'm not trying to replace a doctor, I'm just trying to give you a less expensive option, because, this day and age, less expensive is the way to go. I would check in with a doctor at the beginning and make sure it's not something serious. But just to keep your wallets just a little bit fatter, I offer you something that has worked for me since I was about five years old. Thank you for your time in reading :)
I get Swimmer's Ear at the drop of a hat, even when I get into the shower, I risk it. Normally, I take super careful precautions (ear plugs, blow dry my ears out, etc.) But, even then, the nasty little guy sneaks his way in. Right now, I'm in the middle of a battle with it, and it's a perfect time to let you in on a few of my pointers for getting rid of it in just a couple days. And with spending oh, less than 20 dollars.
Everybody knows how expensive doctors can be, especially if, like me, you're not covered by medical insurance. But I've consulted with my grandpa, who's a doctor, he gave me a recipe for medicine that uses things you, usually, should have in your home. And the recipe and instructions are as follows.
First thing's first: This is an optional, but highly recommended step. You take a Q-tip end and dip it into some Peroxide, put a drop or two into your ear and let it sit for a second. My grandpa calls this "Cooking". What this does is loosen up all the wax buildup in your ear canal, so the drops work easier. Also optional is using cortizone cream around the outer part of the inside of your ear. (I've never done this part, and not sure what it's supposed to help, but...thought I should mention it in any case.)
Ear Drop:When you go to the doctor, he'll probably prescribe ear drops to help clean everything out. You can make your own for about three to five dollars.
You will need, 70% Isopropyl alcohol (Doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just rubbing alcohol. 80 cents to about $1.20 depending on where you get it), and White (Important!) Vinegar. (Starts at around 75 cents, at least where I am..)
You make a mixture that is two parts vinegar and three parts alcohol, and give it a good shake. Now, here you can either use an eye dropper, or a cotton ball soaked in your mix, either one, just make sure you get three good drops in your ear. Now, here's the catch. Because it's alcohol and vinegar, it WILL sting. But you grit your teeth and move on, because the burn definitely says it's working, getting the bad stuff out and drying out all the trapped water. Keep your head tilted to one side after dropping for about 60 seconds to make sure the drops work their way all the way in (You'll feel it), then put a dry bit of cotton into your ear to keep the drops from draining out. Change the cotton every couple of hours. This will go an extremely long way into getting that nasty infection out of your system. Yes, the painful popping is still there, but that's unavoidable no matter which route you go with treatment.
Sudafed! This nifty little decongestant is a must to help keep everything open. One thing I've learned in nearly sixteen years of swimmer's ear, is that you appreciate not having your ears plugged up. It also helps for when you need to use the drops, because they have to go all the way down. So, keep Sudafed high on the shopping list.
Aspirin/Ibuprofen: Swimmer's Ear, like any other ear infection, hurts. To alleviate the pain, take a pain killer as needed. You may already have some of this in your own home.
A Hot washcloth/rag: Every night, during your downtime, or whenever the need hits, get a wet washrag/cloth as hot as you can stand it, usually popping it in the microwave for thirty seconds does it., then hold it just beneath or behind your ear. Sometimes the congestion and pressure builds up there, going down your neck. Using the hot rag will alleviate the pressure. It's like using a heating pad on a stiff joint. It feels great and takes the pain away a little.
And there you have it! I really hope I helped someone somewhere who is having the same problem I have with Swimmer's ear. Now, I'm not trying to replace a doctor, I'm just trying to give you a less expensive option, because, this day and age, less expensive is the way to go. I would check in with a doctor at the beginning and make sure it's not something serious. But just to keep your wallets just a little bit fatter, I offer you something that has worked for me since I was about five years old. Thank you for your time in reading :)