Table of Contents
We’ve all experienced that annoying feeling—water gets stuck in your ear and just won’t come out. It can make sounds feel muffled, cause discomfort, and, if left untreated, might lead to an infection. The good news is that there are easy and safe ways to remove trapped water right at home.
In this article, we’ll walk you through quick tips and simple remedies to get water out of your ears. You’ll also learn how to dry your ears properly after swimming and how to prevent water from getting stuck in the first place. Whether you’re dealing with it now or want to be prepared, this guide has you covered.
Why Does Water Get Trapped in Your Ears?
Water can get stuck in your ears when:
- You swim or take a bath
- You tilt your head a certain way.
- Your ear canal is narrow or curved.
- There is too much earwax blocking the water.
Trapped water creates a moist environment, which can lead to infections like swimmers’ ear.
Signs That Water Is Stuck in Your Ear
You might have water stuck in your ear if you:
- Feel a tickling inside the ear
- Hear muffled sounds
- Feel pressure in the ear.
- Experience slight pain
If the discomfort continues, consider getting a professional hearing test to check for underlying issues.
Quick and Safe Ways to Remove Trapped Water
Try these easy and fast methods:
Tilt and Shake
- Tilt your head to the side
- Gently tug on your earlobe.
- Jump up and down or shake your head.
Gravity Drain
- Lie down on your side with the affected ear down.
- Stay in that position for a few minutes.
Use a Hair Dryer
- Set the dryer to low heat.
- Hold it a few inches from the ear.
- Move it back and forth.
Valsalva Manoeuvre
- Pinch your nose closed.
- Close your mouth
- Gently blow as if you are blowing your nose.
Note: Don’t blow too hard, or it may hurt your ear.
What Not to Do
Avoid the following actions, as they can cause more harm than good when trying to remove water from your ears:
- Do not insert cotton swabs or fingers into your ear
This can push water further in and may cause irritation, scratches, or even damage to your ear canal or eardrum.
- Do not pour unknown liquids into your ear.
Using substances like oils, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide without proper guidance can irritate the ear or worsen infections. - Do not use high heat from a hairdryer.
Excessive heat can burn the sensitive skin inside your ear and cause discomfort or damage. - Do not ignore symptoms.
Hearing loss, discomfort, or discharge may signal a deeper issue like middle ear fluid. Consider an ABR or ASSR hearing test if symptoms persist.
These actions can push water deeper, irritate your ear canal, or increase the risk of infection and injury.
How to Dry Ears After Swimming
Use the following tips to safely remove water and keep your ears dry after swimming:
- Use Earplugs or a Swim Cap
Put them on before swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal in the first place. - Dry Ears with a Towel
Gently pat the outside of your ears with a soft towel after getting out of the water. Avoid inserting the towel into the ear canal. - Shake Water Out
Tilt your head to each side and lightly tug on the earlobe to help water drain naturally using gravity. - Use a Hair Dryer on a Low Setting
Hold a hair dryer several inches from your ear and use the lowest heat and speed settings. Move it in a circular motion to help evaporate the moisture. - Use Over-the-Counter Ear Drops
Drying drops can help evaporate trapped water. Follow the instructions and avoid use if you have a perforated eardrum or ear tubes.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
- Water remains trapped in your ear for more than 48 hours
- You feel pain, pressure, or fullness in the ear.
- Discharge or foul odour is coming from the ear.
- You notice hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
- You have a history of ear infections or ear surgery.
Tests like Pure Tone Audiometry or Tympanometry can help diagnose inner ear problems.
How to Prevent Water From Getting Stuck
Follow these tips to reduce the risk of trapped water and ear infections:
- Wear earplugs or swim caps whenever you swim or shower
- Keep your ears clean, but don’t over-clean, as earwax helps protect the canal.
- Dry ears thoroughly after exposure to water using gentle methods
- Use ear drops preventively if you’re prone to trapped water or infections.
- For chronic issues, consider long-term solutions like a hearing implant or cochlear implant.
Conclusion
Trapped water in the ear is annoying but usually easy to fix. Use the simple methods shared above to remove trapped water, try a water in the ear remedy if needed, and always dry your ears after swimming. Keeping your ears dry and clean can save you from future problems.
The fastest method is to tilt your head to the side and gently shake it. Tugging on your earlobe while tilting can help straighten the ear canal and encourage the water to drain out.
Yes. When water remains trapped, it creates a moist environment ideal for bacteria, leading to swimmers’ ear (otitis externa), an infection of the outer ear canal.
Most drying drops are safe for general use, but you should always follow the product’s instructions. If you have a history of ear infections, ear tubes, or a ruptured eardrum, consult a doctor before using them.
It’s not advisable. Leaving water in your ear overnight increases the risk of irritation or infection. Try to dry your ears thoroughly before going to bed.
If the water stays trapped for more than 48 hours, or you experience pain, pressure, or discharge, see a healthcare provider. You might have an infection or another issue that requires professional care.
A mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar can help evaporate moisture and kill bacteria, but only use this if your eardrum is intact and you have no history of ear problems. Always consult a doctor first.
Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, pain when touching the ear, and sometimes discharge or reduced hearing. If you notice these signs, contact a doctor.
Yes, children are especially prone to this, particularly after swimming or bathing. Use child-safe earplugs and ensure their ears are dried properly after water exposure.
Yes, swimming earplugs are designed to keep water out while being comfortable to wear. Look for reusable, waterproof options that fit snugly but gently in the ear canal.
It can! Jumping on the foot opposite to the affected ear while tilting your head can sometimes help gravity pull the water out. It’s a fun and harmless trick that often works for kids, too.