How long does it take for an outer ear infection to get better?

5-10 days: An outer ear infection should start to improve in 5-10 days with appropriate medicine and management.

A few days: An outer ear infection (swimmers ear) will get better quickly with proper treatment including medicated ear drops. It may take a few days but as long as the drops get in the ear canal within 2 or 3 days you will be better. If the drops don't go in you will need to see a doctor to have a small piece of sponge put in your ear called a "wick".