Have you ever finished a soothing bath, a refreshing swim, or even a regular shower, only to feel like you’ve ended up with water in your ears? That sloshing sensation isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also interfere with your hearing and, if not addressed, lead to infection.
Getting water trapped in your ears is common for swimmers but can happen to anyone. By following safe and effective methods for how to get water out of your ear, you can get rid of the annoying feeling and reduce the chance of further issues or infections developing from this common problem.
The Symptoms and Problems of Water in Your Ears
When water gets trapped in the ear canal, it can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms, from a feeling of fullness or hearing problems to webby sounds every time you move your jaw.If left untreated, this moisture can create an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow, potentially leading to infections like swimmer’s ear. The best way to avoid this is to remove it quickly.
Safe Methods for Removing Water From Your Ears
Tilt and Shake
The simplest way to remove water from your ear is to provide an avenue for drainage. Tilt your head towards the affected side and gently tug on your earlobe to open the ear canal, which often allows the water to drain out.
Use Ear Drops
Over-the-counter ear drops are designed to help evaporate the water in your ear. You can find these at any pharmacy. If you don’t have any on hand, hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol can work similarly by helping to dry out the ear without irritating it. Anyone with a perforated eardrum shouldn’t use this method.
Gravity
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing down on a soft, absorbent towel. The water may gradually seep out, thanks to gravity’s pull.
Create a Vacuum
With your head tilted down, cup your palm and press it tightly against the affected ear. Gently push your hand back and forth rapidly towards your ear, then tilt your head down to allow the water to escape.
Use a Blow Dryer
Set your hair dryer to its lowest setting and hold it about a foot away from your ear. Moving it back and forth, allow the warm air to gently dry the moisture in your ear canal. Be cautious not to have the heat too high or the dryer too close. The warm air will often dry the water inside.
Steam Bath
Taking a hot shower or using a warm washcloth over your ear can help release the trapped water, similar to how a warm blow dryer dries the moisture.
Chew or Yawn
Moving your mouth can help to open the eustachian tubes and allow the water to drain.
What to Avoid With Fluid in Your Ears
While it may be tempting, inserting anything into your ear, be it cotton swabs, fingers, or other tools, isn’t recommended for clogged ears. Whether it’s water or earwax buildup, using these tools can push the water or wax deeper and potentially damage your ear canal or eardrum.
How to Prevent Water in the Ears
Consider wearing ear protection while swimming or engaging in water activities to prevent water from getting trapped in your ears. Earplugs or swim caps that cover your ears can provide an effective barrier against water. Both off-the-shelf and customer earplugs are available for people of every age.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve tried these methods to get rid of fluid in your ears and the symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional help. At Empire Hearing & Audiology, we are committed to promoting ear health safely and effectively. Remember, repeated water retention in the ear should not be ignored as it could lead to more serious infections or hearing issues. Don’t let water in your ears dampen your spirits. We offer a range of hearing exams and tests for any ear-related and hearing loss issues. Find one of our locations near you to schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional today.
