Getting water stuck in your ear might be uncomfortable, but there are several effective methods to help remove it. Here are some techniques you can try:
How to Remove Water from Your Ear
1. Gravity and Tilt
Tilt Your Head: Tilt your head to the side so that the ear being affected faces downwards towards your shoulder.
Pull Your Earlobe: Gently pull your earlobe to open up your ear canal.
You can hop on one foot or wiggle your head to encourage the water to flow out in what is called Jump or Wiggle.
2. The Vacuum Method
Make a Seal: Bring the palm of your hand forward over the ear.
Push and Release: Just push inwards and outwards with the hand and create the vacuum effect that may help remove water.
3. The Hair Dryer Method
Blower Dryer: Set a hair dryer to a low heat setting and hold it about a foot away from your ear.
Shake It About: Toss the dryer back and forth in order to prevent gathering heat in one spot.
Let the warm air pass through: This will surely evaporate the jailed water.
4. Add drops of alcohol and vinegar
Mix the Solution: Mix equal proportions of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in a clean dropper bottle.
Put A Few Drops In: Turn your head so the affected ear is facing upwards, and then put a few drops into the ear.
Draining the Liquid: Wait for about 30 seconds, then tilt it to the opposite side of your face so it can drain out. Alcohol will remove the moisture and halt the spreading of the fluid, and vinegar may avoid infection.
5. Chewing and Swallowing
Chew Gum or Yawn: Sometimes chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing can help open the Eustachian tubes and allow trapped water to escape.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you feel a persistent sensation of discomfort, pain, or fullness in your ear lasting more than one to two days.
If you note a sign of infection: fever, drainage in the ear, or significant pain.
Preventive Tips
Use Earplugs: If you are easily the type to get water stuck in your ear, you should use earplugs for swim or shower.
Tilt Your Head After Swimming: Underwater, let your head drift sideways; shake your earlobe to help water drain out. Using these methods will be able to dislodge the water in your ear. But if it does not resolve or you feel an issue, then you really need to go see a healthcare provider.
How to Remove Water from Your Ear
1. Gravity and Tilt
Tilt Your Head: Tilt your head to the side so that the ear being affected faces downwards towards your shoulder.
Pull Your Earlobe: Gently pull your earlobe to open up your ear canal.
You can hop on one foot or wiggle your head to encourage the water to flow out in what is called Jump or Wiggle.
2. The Vacuum Method
Make a Seal: Bring the palm of your hand forward over the ear.
Push and Release: Just push inwards and outwards with the hand and create the vacuum effect that may help remove water.
3. The Hair Dryer Method
Blower Dryer: Set a hair dryer to a low heat setting and hold it about a foot away from your ear.
Shake It About: Toss the dryer back and forth in order to prevent gathering heat in one spot.
Let the warm air pass through: This will surely evaporate the jailed water.
4. Add drops of alcohol and vinegar
Mix the Solution: Mix equal proportions of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in a clean dropper bottle.
Put A Few Drops In: Turn your head so the affected ear is facing upwards, and then put a few drops into the ear.
Draining the Liquid: Wait for about 30 seconds, then tilt it to the opposite side of your face so it can drain out. Alcohol will remove the moisture and halt the spreading of the fluid, and vinegar may avoid infection.
5. Chewing and Swallowing
Chew Gum or Yawn: Sometimes chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing can help open the Eustachian tubes and allow trapped water to escape.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you feel a persistent sensation of discomfort, pain, or fullness in your ear lasting more than one to two days.
If you note a sign of infection: fever, drainage in the ear, or significant pain.
Preventive Tips
Use Earplugs: If you are easily the type to get water stuck in your ear, you should use earplugs for swim or shower.
Tilt Your Head After Swimming: Underwater, let your head drift sideways; shake your earlobe to help water drain out. Using these methods will be able to dislodge the water in your ear. But if it does not resolve or you feel an issue, then you really need to go see a healthcare provider.