I don't think he asked about that.
I kinda realize that. But this is why I suggested it as the Mayo Clinic has some good ideas but requires a ENT or doctor to treat and it can be done right without trying different home cures.
He should see an ENT and get a baseline diagnosis and he can work from there. He could have some other issues that need addressing and if not, then maybe he can self medicate but the self medication prescribed is mainly preventative medication and not corrective medication once an infection has set in IMO.
Excellent Video On Doc's sight by the way and thanks for posting that link but reinforces the need to at least see an ENT on first problem with ear infections.
Are you sure its bacterial and not fungal and that for sure diving is the sole cause ?
Swimmer's ear
Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staff
The goal of treatment is to stop the infection and allow your ear canal to heal.
Cleaning
Your doctor will use a suction device or ear curette to clean away any discharge, clumps of earwax, flaky skin and any other debris. Cleaning is necessary to help medications get to the infected areas of the skin.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe eardrops that have some combination of the following ingredients, depending on the type and seriousness of the infection:
* Acidic solution to replicate your ear's normally acidic, antibacterial environment
* Steroid to reduce inflammation
* Antibiotic to fight the bacterial infection
* Antifungal medication to fight a fungal infection
Ask your doctor about the best method for taking the medication. Some ideas that may help include the following:
* To reduce discomfort of relatively cold drops in your ear, you can warm the eardrop solution by holding the bottle in your hand for a few minutes to bring it closer to your body temperature.
* If possible, have someone else put the drops in your ear.
* Lie down on your side with the infected ear up to help the medication travel to the site of the infection in your ear canal.
* Put a cotton ball in the "pocket" of your outer ear to absorb any excess fluid after you sit or stand up.
* If your ear canal is blocked by inflammation or excess discharge, your doctor may insert a wick that helps transport the medication into the ear canal.
If the infection is more advanced or doesn't respond to treatment with eardrops, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.
Other treatments
You will need to keep your ear dry and avoid any irritation of the ear while you're treating swimmer's ear.
* Don't swim or scuba dive.
* Avoid flying.
* Don't wear an earplug or hearing aid before pain or discharge has stopped.
* Avoid getting water in your ear canal when bathing. Use a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly to protect your ear during baths.
Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Your doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis based on questions he or she asks and an examination of your ear canal with a lighted instrument (otoscope). Your ear canal may appear red, swollen and scaly. Flakes of skin and other debris may be present in the ear canal.
Your doctor will also want to see the condition of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to be sure it isn't damaged. If the view of the eardrum is blocked, he or she will clear the ear canal with a small suction device or an instrument with a tiny loop or scoop on the end (ear curette).
If your eardrum is damaged or torn, your doctor will likely refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT, or otolaryngologist). The specialist will examine the condition of your middle ear and determine if the primary site of infection is there. This examination is important because some treatments intended for an infection in the ear canal aren't appropriate for treating the middle ear.
There probably won't be any need for a lab test at your first visit. If the infection doesn't respond to treatment, your doctor may take a sample of discharge or debris from your ear at a later appointment. This sample would be sent to a lab for identifying the exact cause of your infection.
Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staff
Follow these tips to avoid swimmer's ear:
* Keep your ears dry. Dry your ears thoroughly after exposure to moisture from swimming or bathing. Dry only your outer ear slowly and gently with a soft towel or cloth. Tip your head to the side to help water drain from your ear canal. You can dry your ears with a blow-dryer if you put it on the lowest setting and hold it at least a foot (0.3 meter) away from the ear.
* At-home preventive treatment. If you know you don't have a punctured eardrum, you can use a homemade preventive eardrop before and after swimming. A mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part rubbing alcohol may help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer's ear. Pour 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the solution into each ear and let it drain back out. Similar over-the-counter solutions may be available at your drugstore.
* Swim wisely. Avoid swimming in polluted water.
* Avoid putting foreign objects in your ear. Never attempt to dig out excess or hardened earwax with items such as a cotton swab, paper clip or hairpin. Using these items can pack material deeper into your ear canal, irritate the thin skin inside your ear or scratch the skin.
* Protect your ears. Avoid substances that may irritate your ears, such as hair sprays and hair dyes. Or put cotton balls in your ears when applying these products.
* Use caution after ear infection or surgery. If you've recently had an ear infection or ear surgery, talk to your doctor before you swim.
