HELP! ear ache day before my 1st race!

i went for a final swim yesterday and apparently did not get water out of my ear.  i have never had an ear ache in my life, and it's not going away (over 24 hours now).  i have tried swimmer's ear drops, but so far has not worked.  any advice?  should i swim with earplugs?  can i do more damage if i try to swim with it.  i do not want to bail out.  Please help...