Water trapped in the ear is a common and often annoying sensation many people experience after swimming, showering, or bathing. This can cause a tickling sensation, pressure, muffled hearing, or even extend to the jaw or throat. While usually harmless, persistent trapped water can encourage bacterial growth, potentially leading to swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). Fortunately, simple and effective methods can often resolve this discomfort at home.
Immediate Home Remedies
Several techniques can help dislodge water from the ear canal. Gravity is one simple method: tilt your head to the side with the affected ear facing down, gently pulling on your earlobe to straighten the ear canal. You can also try gently shaking your head or lying on your side for a few minutes, allowing the water to drain.
Creating a gentle vacuum is another approach. Tilt your head sideways, placing your palm tightly over your ear to form a seal. Rapidly push and pull your cupped hand against your ear, then tilt your head down to encourage drainage. Jaw movements like yawning, chewing gum, or exaggerated chewing can also help open the ear canal and release trapped water.
Warm air can help evaporate water. Use a hairdryer on its lowest, coolest setting, holding it about a foot away from your ear and moving it back and forth. Over-the-counter ear drops with rubbing alcohol, or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol, can dry the ear canal and inhibit bacterial growth. These drops should not be used if there is a suspected eardrum perforation or ear tubes present.
Preventing Water from Entering Your Ears
Preventing water from entering the ear canal is the most straightforward way to avoid discomfort and potential issues. Wearing earplugs or a swim cap during water activities like swimming or showering can block water entry. Silicone plugs or cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly can also be inserted into the outer ear for protection.
After water exposure, thoroughly dry the outer ear with a towel. Tilting your head to each side and gently pulling the earlobe can help lingering drops drain. Avoid inserting cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into the ear canal, as this can push water or earwax deeper, potentially causing irritation, injury, or impaction.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most trapped ear water resolves with home remedies, medical attention is sometimes necessary. If fullness or discomfort persists for more than two to three days, or if you experience increasing pain, consult a healthcare professional. Symptoms like swelling, redness, pressure, or discharge from the ear could indicate an infection, commonly known as swimmer’s ear.
Other warning signs include changes in hearing (muffled sounds or hearing loss), fever, or pain spreading to the face or neck. Individuals with a history of eardrum perforation, ear tubes, or other ear conditions should use caution with home remedies and seek medical advice promptly if water becomes trapped. A healthcare provider can diagnose the issue and prescribe treatment, such as antibiotic ear drops, if an infection is present.