After swimming or showering, many people experience a clogged sensation in the ear, sometimes accompanied by a temporary ringing or buzzing sound. This perception of sound when no external sound is present is medically known as tinnitus. In this context, it is a short-lived result of moisture trapped in the ear canal. The presence of water temporarily alters how sound waves are transmitted, creating this auditory illusion.
How Trapped Water Causes Ringing
The ear canal is a slightly sloping tube that leads to the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, a thin membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves. When water enters this canal and becomes trapped, often due to the ear’s natural shape or the presence of earwax, it rests directly against this membrane. The surface tension of the water droplet causes it to adhere to the eardrum, which dampens the membrane’s ability to vibrate freely.
This physical barrier creates a pressure change and distorts how sound is processed. The trapped fluid hinders the eardrum’s normal mechanics, resulting in muffled hearing and the ringing noise. Since the eardrum cannot move properly, it cannot fully transmit sound vibrations to the middle ear structures. The brain interprets this lack of normal input, along with the gurgling sounds of the water, as an internal noise (temporary tinnitus).
Techniques for Safe Water Removal
To relieve the pressure and stop the ringing, the water must be safely drained from the ear canal. The simplest methods rely on gravity, such as tilting the head to the side with the affected ear facing down toward the floor. Gently pulling and jiggling the outer ear, or pinna, can help straighten the ear canal’s curvature, allowing the fluid to flow out.
Another effective approach uses gentle heat to encourage evaporation. A hairdryer set to the lowest heat setting and held at least a foot away can direct warm, dry air into the canal. Over-the-counter drying drops, which often contain an alcohol-based solution, can also be used to absorb moisture and accelerate evaporation. Introducing any object, including cotton swabs, into the ear canal is strongly discouraged, as this can push water or earwax deeper and potentially damage the eardrum.
When Ringing Signals a Bigger Issue
While most water-induced ringing is temporary and resolves with simple drainage, persistent symptoms can signal a more significant problem requiring professional care. One common complication is Swimmer’s Ear (otitis externa), an infection of the outer ear canal skin. This occurs when the warm, moist environment created by trapped water allows bacteria to multiply, causing inflammation and intense pain.
Symptoms like fever, severe pain that worsens when the outer ear is tugged, discharge, or ringing lasting more than 48 hours should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Trapped water can also cause an existing buildup of earwax to swell, fully blocking the ear canal and leading to persistent muffled hearing and tinnitus. A doctor can safely examine the ear, address a possible infection with medicated drops, or remove impacted earwax to clear the blockage.