How to Remove Water from Your Ears After Swimming

When water gets trapped in your ears after swimming, it can cause discomfort, muffled hearing, and even infections like swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). If not removed properly, the moisture in your ear canal can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

Table of Contents

1. Tilt Your Head and Shake It Gently

This is the simplest method and should be your first attempt.

Steps:

Stand or sit up straight.
Tilt your head to the side with the affected ear facing downward.
Shake your head gently or hop on one foot (on the side where the water is trapped).
You can also try tugging on your earlobe to help open the ear canal and allow water to escape.

✅ Why It Works: The force of gravity and movement helps drain the water naturally.

2. Pull Your Earlobe and Move Your Jaw

This method helps adjust the ear canal and allows the water to escape.

Steps:

Tilt your head toward the affected side.
Gently pull on your earlobe in different directions.
Open and close your mouth or move your jaw as if you are yawning or chewing gum.

✅ Why It Works: Moving your jaw can help release water trapped in the deeper parts of your ear canal.

3. Use the Gravity Method

Lying down can help water drain from your ear naturally.

Steps:

Lie on your side with the affected ear facing downward.
Stay in this position for about 5–10 minutes.
You can place a clean towel under your ear to absorb the water.

✅ Why It Works: Gravity helps pull the water out slowly over time.

4. Create a Vacuum with Your Hand

Using your palm to create suction can help pull water out of your ear.

Steps:

Tilt your head so the affected ear faces downward.
Place your palm over your ear and press firmly to create a seal.
Quickly pull your hand away to create a vacuum effect.
Repeat a few times until you feel the water being sucked out.

✅ Why It Works: The vacuum effect helps draw water out of the ear canal.

5. Use the Valsalva Maneuver (Blowing Method)

This technique helps open up your Eustachian tubes, which connect your ears to the back of your throat.

Steps:

Take a deep breath and close your mouth.
Pinch your nose shut with your fingers.
Gently blow out air without applying too much force.
If done correctly, you might hear a slight popping sound in your ear.

✅ Why It Works: The slight pressure helps clear blockages and release trapped water.

🚨 Warning: Do not blow too hard, as this can damage your eardrums!

6. Use a Warm Compress

Heat can help relax the muscles around your Eustachian tubes, making it easier for water to drain.

Steps:

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out.
Hold the warm compress against your affected ear for 30–60 seconds.
Remove and wait for a few minutes, then repeat the process.
Afterward, tilt your head to let the water drain out.

✅ Why It Works: Heat helps widen the ear canal, allowing water to escape more easily.

7. Use the Blow Dryer Method (With Caution!)

A hairdryer can help evaporate the trapped water, but it must be used carefully.

Steps:

Set your hairdryer to the lowest heat setting.
Hold it at least 30 cm (12 inches) away from your ear.
Angle the dryer toward your ear and move it around gently.
Allow the warm air to dry the moisture inside your ear.

✅ Why It Works: The warm air helps evaporate the trapped water.

🚨 Warning: Do not use high heat, as this can damage your eardrum or cause burns.

8. Use Rubbing Alcohol and Vinegar Drops

This homemade solution helps dry out water and prevent infections.

Steps:

Mix equal parts (50/50) of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a small container.
Use a clean dropper to place 3–4 drops into the affected ear.
Wait for 30 seconds, then tilt your head to let the solution drain out.

✅ Why It Works:

Alcohol helps evaporate the trapped water.
Vinegar has antibacterial properties, preventing infections.

🚨 Warning: Do not use this method if you have an ear infection, ear pain, perforated eardrum, or ear tubes.

9. Try Over-the-Counter Eardrops

Many pharmacies sell eardrops designed to remove moisture.

Steps:

Follow the instructions on the eardrop package.
Usually, you’ll need to put a few drops in your ear and wait.
Tilt your head to drain the solution.

✅ Why It Works: These drops help break the surface tension of the trapped water, making it easier to drain.

🚨 Warning: Avoid if you have ear infections or ear injuries.

What You Should NOT Do 🚫

Many people try unsafe methods that can cause more harm than good. Avoid the following:

❌ Do Not Use Cotton Swabs (Q-Tips)

They can push water deeper into the ear canal.
They may cause earwax buildup or injuries.

❌ Do Not Insert Fingers or Sharp Objects

Using your finger, a pencil, bobby pin, or any foreign object can scratch or damage your ear canal.

❌ Do Not Ignore Persistent Water in Your Ear

If water remains trapped for more than 24 hours, it could lead to an ear infection.

When to See a Doctor 🏥

If the water does not come out after 24–48 hours or if you experience any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor:

🔴 Ear pain or discomfort
🔴 Redness, swelling, or pus-like discharge
🔴 Hearing loss or a blocked sensation
🔴 Itching or a foul smell from the ear

These symptoms may indicate an ear infection that requires medical treatment.

Trapped water in the ears is a common issue for swimmers, but it can be easily managed using gravity, jaw movements, heat, air suction, or drying agents. However, never use cotton swabs or sharp objects, as they can cause injury. If the problem persists, seek medical help to avoid complications.

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