Frequently Asked Questions
Swimmers' Ear/Relief
What is swimmers' ear?
Swimmers' ear may develop when water, sand, dirt, or other debris gets into the ear canal. Since it often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal, a common name for this inflammation is "swimmers' ear." If you have had swimmers' ear in the past, you are more likely to get it again.*
Is swimmers' ear always caused by too much water in the ear?
No. Though swimmers' ear is most often caused by excess water in the ear, scratches in the ear canal (caused by cleaning your ear with a cotton swab or hairpin) as well as allergies or skin reactions can also cause swimmers' ear to develop.
At what age is it safe to use Auro-Dri® for Kids?
Auro-Dri® for Kids is safe enough to use on swimmers over 2 years of age. Less than 2 years of age please consult your doctor.
What can happen if I wait too long to treat swimmers' ear?
If swimmers' ear progresses to an advanced stage, more severe symptoms may develop. These symptoms include fever; severe pain that may radiate to the face, neck, or side of the head; blockage of the ear canal; redness or swelling of the outer ear; or swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck. That's why prompt treatment is so important. If someone is suffering from swimmers' ear, the immediate use of
Auro-Dri® Ear Drying Aid or Auro-Dri® for Kids can help prevent complications and/or infections from developing.
Can swimmers' ear be prevented?
You can wear earplugs to help prevent swimmers' ear but some find those to be uncomfortable and a nuisance. After your shower or swim, apply 4-5 drops of Auro-Dri® Ear Drying Aid or Auro-Dri® for Kids in each affected ear. Tilt head sideways and place drops in the ear. Keep drops in ear for several minutes by keeping head tilted. This application helps prevent the onset of swimmer's ear.
Earaches/Relief
Are earaches always caused by problems inside the ear?
No. Sometimes, earaches stem from problems in other parts of the body. Arthritis of the jaw, sinus infections, a sore throat, tooth infection, or impacted earwax can all result in ear pain.
How do I know if my infant is experiencing ear pain?
Check for symptoms such as a fever, fussiness, increased crying, and irritability—all of which may point to ear pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician.
Can Auro® Earache Relief Ear Drops be used in infants?
Auro® Earache Relief Ear Drops can be used in children as young as 4 months of age. For children younger than 4 months of age, consult a doctor before using Auro® Earache Relief Ear Drops.
Earwax Removal
What should I do if I still have wax in my ear after treating with Auro® Earwax Removal Aid?
It's not abnormal to still have wax in the ear after treating it with Auro® Earwax Removal Aid. Any wax after treatment may be removed by gently flushing the ear with warm water, using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe.
*WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise, February 2008.