I've always gone to the Doc and gotten an Rx for Cortisporin Octic after getting ear problems from preferring to swim in rivers & creeks rather than chlorinated pools (buh!). It can be harsh if your ear canal is irritated, and read all the info carefully regarding the medication (which is in liquid form), but it's always worked great for me. Clears up the problem and then simple preventative measures to keep the ears dry and clean are all that's necessary.