Overview
Although swimming is often the cause, water can get stuck in the ear canal from any exposure. If this happens, you may feel a tingling sensation in your ear. This feeling can spread to the jaw or throat. You may not be able to hear either, or you may only hear disturbing sounds.
The water usually drains itself. If not, trapped water can cause an ear infection. This type of ear infection in the outer ear canal of your outer ear is called swimming ear.
Getting water out of your ear is not difficult. There are following 12 ways to help it out:
How To Get Water Out Of Your Ear Canal
If water gets stuck in your ear, you can try several home remedies to get rid of it:
1- Jiggle Your Earlobe
This is the first way to get water out of your ear immediately.
Gently tug or roll your earlobe while bending your head towards your shoulder.
You can still try to move your head to the other side while in this position.
2- Make Gravity Do The Work
This technique should help gravity get water out of your ear.
Lie down with your head on your towel for a few minutes to absorb the water. Water can slowly come out of your ears.
3. Create A Vacuum
This method will create a vacuum that can drain water.
- Tilt your head here and rest your ear in the palm of your hand, creating a strong seal.
- Gently push back and forth towards your ears in a sharp motion, as you walk. When you press and stick, flatten it.
- Bend your head down to let the water out.
4- Use A Blow Dryer
The heat from the hair dryer can help evaporate the water inside your ear canal.
- Keep your hair dryer to a minimum.
- Hold the hair dryer about 30 cm (30 cm) from your ear and rock it back and forth.
- Allow warm air to reach your ears as you pull the earlobe.
5- Try Alcohol And Vinegar Eardrops
Alcohol can help evaporate water in your ear. It also works to stop the growth of bacteria, which helps prevent infection. If air wax builds up due to trapped water, vinegar can help remove it.
- Combine equal parts of rubbing alcohol and vinegar to form ear drops.
- Using a sterile dropper, apply three to four drops of this mixture to your ear.
- Gently rub outside the ear.
- Wait 30 seconds and tilt your head to resolve the drain.
Do not use this method if you have any of these conditions:
- Middle ear infection
- A perforated ear
- tympanostomy tubes (ear skin tubes)
6- Use Hydrogen Peroxide Ear Drops
Hydrogen peroxide solutions can help remove dirt and air wax, which can trap water in the ear. You can use a mixture of urea and hydrogen peroxide, called carbamide peroxide, to unlock air wax.
Do not use this method if you have any of these conditions:
- Symptoms of an injury or infection such as pain, swelling, heat, discharge, or bleeding from the ear
- Middle ear infection
- A perforated ear
- tympanostomy tubes (ear skin tubes)
7- Use Of Olive Oil
Olive oil helps to prevent ear infections as well as water.
- Heat olive oil in a small bowl. Put a few drops on your inner wrist to check the temperature.
- Using a clean dropper, pour a few drops of oil into the affected ear.
- Lie on the other side for about 10 minutes and then sit down with your ears down. Water and oil should be extracted.
8- Use of More Water
This technique may seem contradictory, but in reality it can be helpful in getting water out of your ear.
- Lying on your side, fill the affected ear with water through a clean dropper.
- Wait 5 seconds and then turn, the affected ear is down. All water should be drained.
9- Take More Over-The-Counter Medications
Many over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops are also available. Most are alcohol-based and can help reduce moisture in the outer ear canal as well as kill bacteria or remove wax and debris.
How Can To Get Water Out From The Middle Ear
If you have middle ear congestion, depending on the cause, more anti-histamine or decongestant therapy may help. Follow the instructions on the package. Here are some other treatments you can try.
10- Yawn Or Chew
When water gets stuck in Eustachian tubes, sometimes shaking your mouth can help open the tubes.
Yawn or Chew gum can be used to relieve tension in Eustachian tubes.
11- Perform Valsalva Menuver
By using this method, may also help to open, closed Eustachian tubes. Be careful not to blow too hard. It can damage your eardrums.
- Take a deep breath Then close your mouth and gently pinch your nostrils with your fingers.
- Slowly blow air through your nose. If you hear a clicking sound, the Eustachian tubes open.
12- Use Steam
Hot steam can help drain water from the middle ear through estrogen tubes. Try taking a hot shower or a mini bath with a bowl of warm water.
- Fill a large bowl with boiling water.
- To keep the steam out, cover your head with a towel, and place your face on the bowl.
- Breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes, then bend your head to drain your ears.
What Not To Do
If home remedies don’t work, don’t use cotton swabs, your finger or anything else to slip into your ear. Doing so could make matters worse:
- Adding bacteria to the area
- Pushing deep water into your ear
- Injury to the ear canal
- Lubricate your earlobes
How To Prevent The Problem
These simple tips can help prevent water from getting stuck in the ear in the future.
- Wear ear plugs or shower caps when you swim.
- After spending time in the water, dry the outside of the ear thoroughly with a towel.
When To Go Your Doctor
Trapped water usually disappears without treatment. If this bothers you, consider trying one of these home remedies to help relieve your discomfort. But if the water is still stuck after 2 to 3 days or if it shows signs of infection, you should call your doctor.
If your ear becomes swollen or inflamed, you may have an ear infection. Ear infections can be serious if left untreated. This can lead to hearing loss or other complications, such as damage to cartilage and bones.