Could I have Swimmer's Ear? Please Help. I'm in oodles of pain.?

I spent my 4th July at a friend's lakeside camp. The entire time all we did was tube, knee board, water ski, and swim. Now, my ears are completely killing me. One is much worse than the other. I looked up the symptoms of swimmer's ear on line, but the only symptoms I have are the pain and extreme discomfort. It hurts worse when I swallow, chew, and yawn. I lack the other symptoms though (discharge from the ear, fever).
1.) How long can it be between being in the water and the showing signs of Swimmer's Ear. I've been out of the water for about 3 hours, now.
2.) Can I have swimmer's ear with only two of symptoms?
3.) If it's not swimmer's ear, what could it be?


I know it's best to ask my doctor, but all the offices are closed and I don't want to sit in a waiting room for hours tonight just to find out it's something completely harmless.

Thanks so much. :)

What has probably happened is that you have impacted ear wax, and the water has gotten further down the canal and isn't coming out. Peroxide, about 3-5 drops in the ear will soften the ear wax. I have this problem every year, and the bottom line is that you'll have to go to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor and he'll be able to remove the ear wax. Most people have wax that will come out by itself. Mine for whatever reason doesn't. I really should go twice a year to have my ears cleaned, but I usually wait until I get "swimmers ear". It can happen just from taking a shower.

Ear drops containing garlic, mullein, and St. John's wort are available at drug and health food stores. That will help alleviate the pain.

I don't know, but maybe some Advil might help.

I think you're right about the waiting room, they won't be of much help.

Best wishes. You'll be OK.

well i have swimmers ear(according to my mom who IS a doctor) and i dont have a fever or discharge. i would get some ear drops and not go in the water again for about a week. well at least not get your ears wet. but to get the drops you have to have a prescription. just take some motrin or advil and wait untill tomorrow or something. hope this helped!