3 weeks til first triathlon and I have an ear infection and swimmers ear

Ear plugs...couple bucks well spent.

+2 on the ear plugs. Plus it'll save you a, "I'm dizzy as all get out during T1, what should I do?" post later on

CIPRODEX!!!  You will be pain free in 24 to 48 hours and better in 3... ask your doc for it and dont let em tall ya  no.  The stuff is great!  I would keep the bottle for future use as well.

I think the plugs are a great idea too... but personally they annoy me so I dont use them unless the water is really cold.

Good luck!

Not an earplug guy myself, but if they keep 100% of the water out, then they may be a good option. Back when I was prone to swimmers ear, I would put a couple of drops of alcohol in each ear after a workout. Worked like a charm.

With the ear plugs we are not talking the clumps of clear puddy, but the firm rubber stick ish things with circlular rubber flaps that incert into the ear, mine are called, Mack's Earplugs.  Be gentle putting them in and taking them out and do wear a swim cap over them.  

i had the same thing happen in early may...it SUCKED and I had to take a whole week off. Double ear infection that also turned into a sinus infection.

Dr. gave me some antibiotics and it cleared up nicely. I now use "Swim Ear" (basically alchohol drops) after every swim.

That was the worst I have ever felt...

X2 on rubbing alcohol.  It dries out your ear so use the weaker stuff if you can (I think the lower %, the weaker) because it'll burn a little. 

I've had constant fights with ear infections since I was really young.  Since I started with the alcohol, I haven't gotten an infection...yet...

X3 on the ear plugs and rubbing alcohol. Ounce of prevention, yada yada yada.

Mike

My pediatrician buddy recommended alcohol and vinegar...50/50 mix.  Worked well for me.