How To Get Water Out Of Your Ears

While water activities are a lot of fun, they can have some unintended consequences and lead to water getting trapped in your ears. If you have ever gotten water in your ear canal, you know how awkward and irritating this sensation can be.

When the ear canals fill up with water, you may experience different types of sensations. Some examples of what you might notice are a tingling sensation, a feeling of fullness in the ear canal, muffled hearing and even partial or total hearing loss. Depending on your particular case, this can happen in one or both of your ears.

At times, it is very easy to get trapped water out of your ears, while other times, it can be a bit more complicated. The most important reason to remove moisture from your ear as quickly as possible is to prevent an ear infection from occurring. Don't be overly concerned, however, as there are effective techniques you can use to get the trapped water out of your ears. Most of these techniques you can perform at home without the need for help from a healthcare professional.

Is it dangerous when water gets trapped in your ears?

Thankfully, it is seldom risky when water gets into your ear canal. Did you know that your earwax (cerumen) is water repellent? Because your ear produces plenty of this substance, water typically trickles right out on its own. Problems start when this does not occur, and bacteria begin to thrive inside the warm, moist ear canal. This type of ear infection is referred to as swimmer's ear, otitis externa.

Bacteria love wet and humid environments and can quickly start growing, leading to a full-blown ear infection. Keep an eye out for outer ear infection symptoms, such as painful, itchy ear canal and odorless, clear fluid draining from the outer ear canal.

If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect an ear infection, you should not delay seeking medical attention. If you have no symptoms but have had water trapped inside your ears for days or weeks, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

How to get water out of your ears?

We have collected some of the most effective methods to help you gently drain water from your ears. You can use the below techniques and remove trapped moisture in a few seconds or a few minutes.

What should you not do when trying to get water out of your ears?

Avoid using ear swabs because you can easily damage your eardrum and ear canal. Sticking ear swabs or other objects into your ear canal can also introduce bacteria and push the fluid deeper down.

Yawning technique

This method works well when the cause of your problem is water stuck in the eustachian tubes. When this happens, yawning and chewing gum can help open up the tubes.

Use the Valsalva maneuver

Just like the yawning method, this technique also opens up the eustachian tubes. You have to be careful with this method; otherwise to avoid damaging your eardrum. Anyone can perform this maneuver in just a few simple steps.

1. Close your mouth and hold your nostrils closed with your fingers simultaneously.
2. Try breathing out through your nose. Do this until you hear a popping sound which indicates that your eustachian tubes have been opened.

Steam Technique

Warm steam is a great way to remove water from your middle ear. The easiest way to use this method is by taking a nice, long, hot shower. Inhale the steam as often as possible and tilt your head to the side to allow the water to drain out.

How to prevent water from getting into your ears?

These common-sense tips can help keep water out of your ears and prevent you from ever having to deal with its ramifications. Consider buying earplugs at the pharmacy and using them when you go swimming. Also, get in the habit of thoroughly cleaning your ears after spending time in the water.

When should you seek medical help?

Although getting water trapped in your ear is generally not a serious cause for concern for most people, you should not ignore any sign of discomfort. Keep an eye out for the typical symptoms of infection affecting your ears, such as swelling, redness, and ear pain. If you still struggle removing trapped water from your ear after trying the above techniques, consider seeking professional help. Untreated infections can lead to long-term damage and even hearing loss.