Water in the ear will usually drain out naturally. However, sometimes a person may need to use home remedies to treat the blocked ears and help get water out of the ear.
Water can remain in the ear after swimming or other activities that allow water into the ear canal. A person with water trapped in their ear may experience a tickling or itching sensation that extends from the ear to the jaw or throat. They may also have issues with hearing, including hearing muffled sounds.
Usually, the water will drain out by itself due to the ear’s structure and water-repellant earwax. If the water does not drain out, it may lead to an middle ear infection, called swimmer’s ear.
This article discusses five tips to safely remove water from the ear and the methods to avoid, preventions, and when to seek medical attention.
A person can try various things to help drain water from the ear or clear out any debris trapping the liquid in the ear. If people try one or more of the following tips, it may help resolve the issue.
Experts recommend that people do not insert any foreign objects into the ear canals. Doing so can cause injuries or worsen earwax (cerumen) impaction by pushing it deeper into the canal.
If the issue worsens or persists for a few days, a person should consult a doctor even after trying these methods.
Many people will instinctively move or tug the earlobe when water gets in their ears.
Lying down on one side and keeping still for a few minutes may help the liquid drain or trickle from the ear.
It may also help to wiggle the deeper areas of the ear during this process. Try yawning, wiggling the jaw, or making exaggerated chewing motions with the mouth to help move water towards the outer canal, and then tug at the earlobe to finish the process.
If a person experiences pain while tugging the earlobe, this is a sign of infection, and time to consult a doctor. They may prescribe medicated eardrops to clear an infection if that is the underlying cause.
Using the palms to get some reverse pressure in the ear and vacuum the water out may be possible.
Tilt the head to the side so the affected ear faces down. Cup the hand around the ear, so the palm covers most of the ear and ear canal.
Push the cupped palm toward the ear, slightly pressing the ear into the head, and then pulling away again. The palm should flatten as it presses into the ear and cup again as it pulls away. The person should feel suction and release in the ear during this activity.
After doing this a few times,
Soak a towel or washcloth in warm water and squeeze out the extra water. Make sure the towel is not too hot, as this may cause a burn or irritation in the ear.
A warm compress may help relax the tissues in the ear and loosen congestion in the area.
Fold the towel and tilt the head, resting the ear on the compress. Rest there for several minutes, letting the warmth relax the ear and promote drainage.
It may also help to use other techniques after the ear is warm, such as yawning or tugging at the ear to promote further drainage.
Some people may choose to evaporate any extra water in the ear canal
Put the blow dryer on the lowest setting, and keep the device at least a foot away from the head. Pull on the ear lobe to open and direct more air into the ear.
Be sure to do this in a clean room free from dust, hair, or other debris that could blow into the ear. Ensure that the device is far enough away so the pressure from the air or sound from the motor does not damage the delicate structures in the ear.
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People may want to try using white vinegar by tilting the head with the affected ear facing up, and applying a few drops into the ear.
Gently rub the outside of the ear, massaging the liquid into place. Leave it in the ear for about 30 seconds, and then allow it to drain out over a towel or the sink. Clean up and dry the outer ear.
Alternatively, a person could try using a solution made up of equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
People who have any ear issues, such as an ear infection, ruptured eardrum, or open cuts in the ear, should not use these remedies. Individuals who have had a doctor place a tube in their eardrum in the past should also not use these remedies.
There are some general tips to consider when getting water out of the ear.
There are certain don’ts,
- putting objects into the ear canal, such as cotton swabs, paperclips, or bobby pins
- putting the fingers or fingernails into the ears
- placing blow dryers, fans, or things that force air into the ear very close to the ear, as the noise or pressure may be damaging to the delicate structures in the ear
No one should use either of the methods that involve ear drops if they already have an ear infection, a punctured eardrum, or ear tubes.
General tips to
- wearing a cap, earplugs, or ear molds when bathing or swimming
- avoiding submerging head in water
- using a dry towel to clean the outside of the ears after coming out of the water
- avoiding using earbuds or headphones for prolonged periods while sweating, such as during a heavy workout
- talk with a doctor about regular wax buildup and how to keep the ears clear
Blocking the ear with cotton balls and petroleum jelly when showering to make a water barrier seal another option.
People who play water sports, swim, or are frequently in water may want to wear earplugs, if they get water stuck in the ears frequently or experience recurrent outer ear infections. Thoroughly drying and shaking the head from side to side after getting out of the water may also help drain water from the ears.
A person should talk with a doctor if the problem persists for several days or if the ear becomes painful and inflamed at any point, as this is a sign of infection.
Ear infections can become serious if not properly treated.
If the pain is severe or a person has a fever, consult a doctor immediately.
It may be necessary to consult a ear specialist if:
- an ear infection has not gone away after finishing a course of antibiotic ear drops
- the person has lost their hearing
- the infections persistently reoccur
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Anyone who thinks that they have wax blocking their ear canal should talk with a doctor.
A person may get water trapped in their ear after bathing or swimming.
There are several simple ways to help encourage this water out of the ear. Some efforts, such as wearing swimmers’ earplugs, can help prevent water from becoming trapped in the ear.
Getting water out of the ear may help reduce the risk of infection and allow the ear to work as it should.
Anyone who cannot get the water out of their ear in a few days or who experiences other symptoms of infection along with this symptom should talk with a doctor or ear specialist.