How to Get Water Out of Your Ear

Here are a few tips backed by experts.

Getting water trapped in your ear canal is an experience that many of us have encountered at some point, and it can be rather uncomfortable. This issue can arise after any form of water exposure, and its presence is usually indicated by a tickling sensation within the ear, accompanied by potential hearing impairment. In most cases, the water naturally drains out of the ear fairly quickly. However, when it stubbornly lingers, it can become both annoying and potentially lead to a condition known as swimmer’s ear, which is essentially an ear infection affecting the outer ear canal. To better understand this common predicament and how to effectively address it, let’s delve into the causes, prevention, and various methods to remove trapped water from your ear.

Understanding Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear, medically referred to as otitis externa, is characterized by an infection in the outer ear canal, which consists of bone and cartilage covered by skin. This canal extends from the ear drum (tympanic membrane) to the external part of your head. The condition primarily occurs due to water retention within the ear canal, often trapped behind earwax. This persistently moist environment becomes conducive to the growth of bacteria or fungi, paving the way for infection.

It’s essential to recognize that swimmer’s ear can result from both bacterial and fungal infections, making it essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications. But how can you go about removing that stubborn water from your ear, reducing the risk of developing swimmer’s ear or similar issues?

Effective Ways to Remove Trapped Water from Your Ear

1. Tilt Your Head: The most straightforward and immediate method to encourage trapped water to drain from your ear is by changing the position of your head. By tilting your head sideways and allowing your ear to rest on your cupped palm to form a tight seal, you create a vacuum effect. Gently move your hand back and forth to facilitate the drainage of water from your ear. Maintain this head tilt until the water fully exits. Alternatively, lying on your side for a few minutes with your head resting on a towel can help absorb the trapped water.

2. Gently Pull on the Ear: Another simple technique involves gently tugging on your earlobe in a backward or downward direction. This motion can sometimes shift the cartilage within the ear canal, straightening it and encouraging the water to roll out. It’s important to note that this method is often used by physicians to examine the ear and tympanic membrane. While attempting this, you can also gently shake your head from side to side to expedite the process.

3. Ear Flush: If tilting and movement fail to dislodge the trapped water, you can consider flushing your ear with a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar (50/50). Use a dropper or small syringe to apply three to four drops of this mixture into your ear canal. Afterward, gently rub the outside of your ear. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 seconds, then tilt your head to the side to let it drain out. It’s important to refrain from using this method if you have an outer ear infection, perforated eardrum, or tympanostomy tubes (eardrum tubes).

4. Use a Hair Dryer: To facilitate the drying process of your ear, you can utilize a hair dryer set to a very low and cool setting. The key is to maintain a safe distance from your ear to prevent any heat-related discomfort or damage. While directing the airflow, gently pull down on your earlobe to further assist in the drying process.

5. Dissolve Wax With Hydrogen Peroxide: In situations where you suspect a buildup of both earwax and trapped water, you can use a dropper to introduce a hydrogen peroxide solution into your ear canal. This can potentially help dissolve the wax and facilitate the removal of trapped water. Some eardrop products available over the counter combine urea and hydrogen peroxide (known as carbamide peroxide) to effectively address earwax. However, refrain from using this method if you have an outer ear infection, perforated eardrum, or eardrum tubes.

A Word of Caution – Avoid Cotton Swabs

Although it may be tempting to reach for cotton swabs and attempt to remove trapped water by poking around in your ear, this method is discouraged. Dr. Daniel Jethanamest, director of the division of otology and neurotology at NYU Langone, advises against inserting any objects deep into your ear canal, as it can potentially cause more harm than good. It may introduce bacteria into the ear, push the water deeper, injure the ear canal, or even puncture the eardrum. Any of these complications could necessitate a visit to the emergency room, underscoring the importance of avoiding this method.

When to Seek Professional Help

While the aforementioned techniques are effective for most cases of trapped water in the ear, there are instances when it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider:

• Prolonged Discomfort: If the trapped water sensation persists for more than a couple of days despite your attempts at removal, seeking professional evaluation is recommended. Prolonged water retention can potentially lead to an outer or middle ear effusion, where the liquid behind the eardrum becomes thick or sticky.
  
• Signs of Middle Ear Infection: If you experience sensations of fullness or congestion in the ear, hearing loss, or hear crackling or sloshing sounds when changing your ear’s position, it could indicate a middle ear infection (otitis media) rather than a problem in the external ear canal. In such cases, it’s important to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional, typically through an otoscope or microscope examination, is essential.
  
• Severe Symptoms: If you encounter severe symptoms such as pain, skin swelling around the ear, or swelling in the areas surrounding the ear, this could signify an ear infection. In such cases, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention to address the infection properly.

Conclusion – Addressing Trapped Water in Your Ear

The sensation of trapped water in your ear can be bothersome, but it’s often manageable through the methods discussed. From tilting your head to applying a mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, these techniques can effectively resolve the issue in most cases. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and avoid inserting objects, such as cotton swabs, deep into your ear canal, as it can lead to complications.

In situations where trapped water persists, leads to prolonged discomfort, or is accompanied by severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is the prudent course of action. Timely and appropriate medical attention can prevent further complications and ensure the well-being of your ears. By being informed and proactive, you can effectively address the common issue of trapped water in your ear and maintain optimal ear health.