How to Relieve Pain From Water in the Ear for Children

Water in the ear, also known as "swimmer's ear," can be extremely painful for children. It is caused by an infection that occurs when water enters the ear when the child's head is submerged under water, such as during a bath. There are several techniques you can use to relieve the pain from water in the ear and to help treat the infection.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Dropper
• Antibiotic ear drops
• Ear wick, optional

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Instructions

• 1

  Gently clean the outer ear before treating swimmer's ear. You can do this with a warm, moist washcloth.

• 2

  For a mild case of swimmer's ear, create a solution by mixing a cup of white vinegar with a cup of water. Insert several drops of the solution into the affected ear twice a day.

• 3

  If pain persists, ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotic ear drops to clear up the infection. Also ask whether the child's ear is swollen enough to warrant an ear wick. An ear wick is made of an absorbent material that expands when ear drops are applied to ensure that the ear drops reach the infection site.

• 4

  If the ear drops cause burning, ask your doctor about prescribing less acidic ear drops. These are less likely to irritate your child's ear, but may not have the same effectiveness.