To reduce the risk of outer ear infections, it's important to keep the inside of your ears dry. You can do this by avoiding getting shampoo and water in your ears during showers or baths, and by drying your ears with a towel or hair dryer afterwards. When swimming, use ear plugs and/or a tight-fitting swimming cap to prevent water from getting in your ears. Additionally, it's important not to clean your ear canal with cotton buds or other objects, and to see a doctor or nurse if you have a build-up of earwax rather than trying to remove it yourself.