that is exactly what happened. i had water in the ear for a couple days and it built up after consecutive swim days. using the typical ear plugs each swim in addition to q-tips and my finger had damaged the skin lining to where the ear was throbbing, inflamed and just closed up. i feel like those traditional deep plug style ear plugs that I had been using will continue to do the same.
i did buy ear drops from the drug store. it was too late when I started using it as the damage was already done. when i used the drops, it was a burning feeling in the ear, very uncomfortable.
so i guess my only dilemma is: would custom ear plugs do a better job of preventing water in the ears. sounds like using ear drops will be something I will have to use after each swim anyway, but I know for sure I can’t get away without ear plugs and solely relying on ear drops.