If you’ve ever experienced the uncomfortable sensation of water being trapped in your ear after swimming, showering, or bathing, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a swimmer, beachgoer, or simply someone who enjoys long showers, knowing how to safely and effectively remove water from your ear can prevent discomfort and potential complications like a swimmer’s ear.
In this article, we’ll explore how to get water out of your ear using simple techniques and ways to prevent water from getting stuck in your ears in the future.
Anatomy of the Ear Canal
The ear canal, also known as the external auditory canal, is a tubular structure that extends from the outer ear to the eardrum (tympanic membrane). It is approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) long and has a slightly curved shape.
The ear canal is lined with skin that contains hair follicles and ceruminous glands, which produce earwax (cerumen). Earwax plays an important role in protecting the ear canal and eardrum by trapping dirt, dust, and other particles, as well as providing lubrication and antibacterial properties.
Why Does Water Get Trapped in Your Ear?
Before we explore the methods for removing water from your ear, it’s important to understand why this happens in the first place.
Our ears have a natural shape and structure designed to protect the ear canal from water, dust, and other debris. However, under certain conditions, water can slip past the natural defenses of the ear canal and become trapped.
Water may get stuck in your ear for the following reasons:
- Earwax Buildup: If there is excess earwax inside the ear canal, it can trap water, preventing it from draining out naturally.
- Shape of the Ear Canal: Some people have narrow or uniquely shaped ear canals, which makes it easier for water to become trapped.
- Swimmer’s Earplugs: While earplugs can help prevent water from entering the ear, if not fitted properly, they can actually contribute to water getting stuck inside.
- Pressure or Obstruction: Ear conditions or other debris, such as sand or dirt, can block the ear canal, making it difficult for water to drain out.
Signs That Water Is Stuck in Your Ear
If you have water trapped in your ear, the symptoms are usually quite noticeable. While it’s not always painful, it can be very uncomfortable. Common signs of water trapped in the ear include:
- Fullness or pressure in the ear.
- Muffled hearing or sounds that seem distorted.
- A tickling or sloshing sensation deep in the ear canal.
- Pain or discomfort, especially if the water has been trapped for a while.
- In some cases, you might also experience itching in the ear canal.
If the water remains trapped for an extended period, it can create a moist environment, leading to bacterial growth and an ear infection called otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear.
How to Get Rid of Water in Your Ear: 12 Proven Methods
Here are some of the most effective ways to remove water from your ear. Many of these methods can be done at home and provide quick relief.
1. Gravity and Tilt Method
The simplest and most natural way to get rid of water in the ear is to let gravity do the work.
How to do it:
- Tilt your head toward the affected ear, with the ear facing down toward the floor.
- Gently tug on your earlobe to open the ear canal.
- You can also try jumping up and down on one foot or shaking your head gently to help dislodge the water.
This method works because gravity helps the water flow out of the ear naturally.
2. Create a Vacuum with Your Palm
You can use your hand to create a gentle vacuum that helps pull the water out of your ear.
How to do it:
- Tilt your head so the affected ear faces downward.
- Place your palm flat against the ear to create a tight seal.
- Push your palm toward your ear and then pull it away to create suction.
- After a few seconds, tilt your head to let the water drain out.
This technique works by creating a suction that helps to dislodge and remove the water.
3. The Valsalva Maneuver
This technique helps equalize the pressure in your ears by opening the Eustachian tubes, which may allow trapped water to drain.
How to do it:
- Pinch your nose closed with your fingers and close your mouth.
- Gently blow through your nose without releasing the pinch. You should feel a slight “pop” in your ears.
The Valsalva maneuver works by opening the Eustachian tubes and can help with water stuck deeper in the ear canal.
4. Jiggle the Earlobe
A simple and effective method is to jiggle your earlobe while tilting your head.
How to do it:
- Tilt your head toward the affected ear.
- Gently tug or jiggle the earlobe in different directions.
This gentle movement helps reposition the water inside the ear canal, making it easier to drain.
5. Use a Hair Dryer
A hairdryer can be a useful tool for evaporating water trapped inside the ear.
How to do it:
- Set your hair dryer to the lowest heat and speed settings.
- Hold the dryer at least 12 inches away from your ear.
- Gently pull your earlobe down to open the ear canal, and aim the warm air into your ear for 30 seconds.
This method works by gently warming the air inside the ear, helping to evaporate the water. Be careful not to use high heat, as this could burn your ear.
6. Ear-Drying Drops
Over-the-counter ear-drying drops are a fast and effective solution for removing trapped water. These drops are commonly used by swimmers to prevent swimmer’s ear.
How to use them:
- Purchase ear-drying drops from your local pharmacy. These drops typically contain isopropyl alcohol, which helps to evaporate the water and remove moisture from the ear.
- Follow the instructions on the bottle and apply the recommended number of drops to the affected ear.
- Tilt your head to allow the solution to reach deep into the ear canal, then tilt it back to drain.
These drops are specially formulated to help dry out water quickly and are particularly helpful if you swim often.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide can help remove water trapped in the ear by breaking down earwax and debris that may be blocking the water.
How to do it:
- Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water.
- Use an eyedropper to put a few drops into the affected ear.
- Let the solution sit for a minute, then tilt your head to let the water drain out.
Hydrogen peroxide can break up earwax and help release trapped water, but use this method with caution. If you have a perforated eardrum or an ear infection, avoid using hydrogen peroxide.
8. Olive Oil or Baby Oil
Olive oil or baby oil can help soothe your ear canal and encourage water to flow out.
How to do it:
- Warm a small amount of olive oil or baby oil to a comfortable temperature.
- Use an eyedropper to place a few drops of the oil into the affected ear.
- Let the oil sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow the oil and water to drain out.
This method not only helps dislodge water but also soothes the ear canal and can help reduce irritation or inflammation caused by the trapped water.
9. Chewing or Yawning
Chewing or yawning can help open the Eustachian tubes, allowing trapped water to drain naturally.
How to do it:
- Try chewing gum or simulate the motion of chewing.
- Yawn deeply to help “pop” your ears.
The motion of chewing or yawning shifts the muscles around your ear canal, helping to open up the Eustachian tubes and encourage water to drain out.
10. Lie on Your Side
Sometimes, gravity can do the job if you lie on your side and let the water naturally drain from your ear.
How to do it:
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing downward.
- Stay in this position for several minutes to allow gravity to drain the water.
This method works best if you remain still for several minutes, giving gravity enough time to help the water escape.
11. Steam
Steam can help open the Eustachian tubes, making it easier for trapped water to escape.
How to do it:
- Fill a bowl with hot, steaming water.
- Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl to trap the steam.
- Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
After steaming, tilt your head to let the water drain from your ear. Steam helps to open up the ear canal, allowing water to escape more easily.
12. Use a Warm Compress
A warm compress can help ease discomfort and encourage water to drain from your ear.
How to do it:
- Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess.
- Hold the warm compress against your ear for a few minutes.
- Afterward, tilt your head to allow the water to drain out.
The warmth helps to open the Eustachian tubes and can promote water drainage from the ear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Remove Water from Your Ear
While it’s important to address water trapped in your ear, there are some common mistakes to avoid that could make the situation worse or cause injury.
1. Don’t Use Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips)
Using cotton swabs to remove water from your ear can push the water and earwax further into the ear canal, increasing the risk of blockages or ear infections.
2. Avoid Sticking Objects in Your Ear
Never insert sharp objects, fingers, or hairpins into your ear in an attempt to remove water. Doing so can damage the delicate structures of the ear, including the eardrum.
3. Don’t Ignore Persistent Water
Leaving water trapped in your ear for too long can lead to infections like swimmer’s ear. If the water doesn’t drain after a day or two, or if you begin experiencing pain, itching, or hearing loss, it’s time to seek medical attention.
Preventing Water from Getting Stuck in Your Ear
The best way to deal with water in your ear is to prevent it from getting trapped in the first place. Here are some helpful tips to avoid water getting stuck in your ears:
1. Use Earplugs or Swim Caps
Wearing waterproof earplugs or a snug swim cap can prevent water from entering your ears during swimming or water activities. These are especially useful for people who frequently experience water getting trapped in their ears.
2. Tilt Your Head While Showering
If you tend to get water stuck in your ears while showering, try tilting your head to the side to prevent water from entering your ear canal. You can also use earplugs during showers to keep water out.
3. Dry Your Ears After Water Activities
After swimming or bathing, dry your ears thoroughly with a towel. Tilt your head to each side to let any excess water drain out, and gently wipe your outer ear with a clean cloth.
4. Use Ear-Drying Drops After Swimming
If you’re prone to getting water trapped in your ears, consider using ear-drying drops after swimming to remove any residual moisture.
When to See a Doctor?
While most cases of water in the ear can be treated at home, there are times when medical attention is necessary. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor:
- Persistent pain or discomfort that lasts more than 24-48 hours.
- Hearing loss that doesn’t improve after trying home remedies.
- Discharge from the ear, especially if it’s yellow, green, or bloody.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or swelling around the ear.
- Fever or dizziness, which could indicate a more serious infection.
In some cases, the trapped water may have caused an ear infection or other complications that require medical treatment.
Conclusion
Water trapped in the ear can be uncomfortable, but it’s usually a minor issue that can be resolved with simple at-home techniques. Whether you use the gravity method, ear-drying drops, or a warm compress, there are plenty of ways to safely remove water from your ear and avoid complications like swimmer’s ear.
Preventing water from getting stuck in the first place is even better. With the right precautions, such as wearing earplugs and drying your ears after swimming or showering, you can enjoy water activities without worrying about trapped water.
If you find that the water won’t drain after trying these methods, or if you experience worsening symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor to rule out infections or other issues.
