Although swimming is the most common cause, water can also become trapped in your ear canal as a result of prolonged exposure to water. It is possible to experience a tickling sensation in your ear that may spread to your jawbone or throat if this occurs. It is also possible that you will not be able to hear as well or that you will only hear muffled sounds.
Usually, the water drains out without doing anything, and if it doesn’t, the trapped moisture may lead to an ear infection. The swimmer’s ear is a type of ear infection that affects the external auditory canal of your outer ear. It is caused by swimming in the canal.
Table of Contents
How to Get Water Out of My Ears?
Because of earbuds, it is possible to get sweat trapped in your ears. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, is a type of infection that can develop if left untreated for an extended period.
- Wiggle your earlobes a little bit.
This first method may cause the water to come out of your ear almost immediately. Tilt your head downward toward your shoulder, gently tugging or jiggling your earlobes to release tension. While in this position, you can also experiment with shaking your head from side to side.
- Allow gravity to do the heavy lifting.
Gravity should assist in the drainage of the water from your ear using this technique. Lie on your side with your head resting on a towel to absorb the excess water for a few minutes.
- Make use of a hairdryer.
The heat generated by a blow dryer can aid in the evaporation of water trapped inside your ear canal. Set the warmth of your blow dryer to the lowest possible setting.
Place your hand about a foot away from your ear and move the hairdryer back and forth in the same direction as your ear. Allow the warm air to blow into your ear while pulling down your earlobe with your fingers.
- Use Eardrops Containing Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide solutions can aid in the removal of debris and earwax that may be causing water to accumulate in your ear. You can find eardrops that use a combination of urea and hydrogen peroxide, known as carbamide peroxide, to unclog earwax in the ears and relieve itching.
If one or more of the such conditions are seen, you should avoid using this method:
Pain, swelling, warmth, drainage, and bleeding from the ear are signs of an injury or infection. Tympanostomy tubes are used to treat a perforated eardrum (eardrum tubes)
- Again, Use more water
This technique may appear illogical at first, but it can aid in removing water from your ear.
Fill the affected ear with water while lying down on your side with a clean dropper in your hand.
Wait 5 seconds, then turn over so that the affected ear is on the bottom of the bed. It should be possible to drain all of the water.
Points to keep in Mind
Avoid these mistakes when getting water out of your ears
Use of improper methods for draining your ears can result in ear canal scratching or increased earwax buildup inside your ear canal. Using these methods to dry out your ears will increase your chances of getting an infection rather than decreasing them.
Cotton swabs should be avoided.
- You should avoid them if you have earwax and dirt clogging your ear canal, removing the wax that protects your ear. The use of such processes is not recommended for children.
- Never put your finger or fingernails in your ears unless necessary. Also avoid scratching the sensitive skin of the ear canal.
- In the condition when you or your child has ear tubes or if you have a ruptured eardrum, avoid using hydrogen peroxide or drying drops to clean your ears.
The Best Way to Recognize an Infection
Just in case the drying tips didn’t help, Keep an eye out for these symptoms of swimmer’s ear:
- Having a rash inside your ear
- Pulling on your outer ear or pressing on the slight bump in front of your ear causes discomfort or pain, worsening with time.
- The fluid that drains from your ear canal is clear and odorless.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your ENT specialist may recommend eardrops.
Conclusion
Some water activities may seem fun, but if, unfortunately, a person faces the condition in which the water is trapped in any part of the ear, it may be dangerous for the ear’s health as the ear infections are painful.
Marham is doing great in this regard by providing a direct and instant link for patients with the experts of the healthcare department. ENT specialist in Karachi are also there for you all the time, and you can quickly contact them or book an appointment without any worries.
FAQs
What is the maximum amount of time water can remain in the ear?
Most of the time, water can remain in your ear for several hours to as long as 1-2 days. It is dependent on the individual and their ear anatomy and the amount of earwax produced. Furthermore, the intensity and type of water activity will impact the outcome.
Even though a clogged ear is an inconvenient distraction, it is usually treatable at home with simple remedies.
The Valsalva maneuver should be used. This simple trick will aid in the opening of your Eustachian tube.
Inhale the steam. Turn on a hot shower and take a 10- to 15-minute break in the bathroom.
Dislodge any accumulated fluid.
What happens if you keep water in your ear for an extended period?
A runny nose or a sore throat are all possible symptoms: ear pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, loss of balance and coordination, and dizziness. Water accumulation in the ear and improper drainage can significantly increase the risk of developing swimmer’s ear or other types of infections, which, if not treated promptly and effectively, could lead to hearing loss. To prevent such outcomes, it’s advisable to consult with an audiologist near you, who can offer professional advice and treatment options to maintain your ear health.
