How do you make ear swelling go away?

First, diagnosis: Swelling of the outer ear can be allergic in origin. The most common disease that ENT doctors see that is associated with swelling of the ear is called external otitis. This is an inflammatory, usually painful, swelling of the ear canal skin. Sometimes, the ear canal is swollen shut and requires a wick into the ear canal so that the medication can get down the canal. Do not use q-tips.