How to Get Rid of Water in Ear?
Water can get inside your ear due to many reasons. It is a common condition that can cause a lot of distress. Swimming, taking a shower or playing at the pool are some of the common reasons why you end up having water in ear.
In most cases, the water will drain out of ear on its own, but if it doesn’t, it can cause severe health complications. Fortunately, it is quite easy to get the water out of your ear. In this article, we will discuss the simple ways to remove water in the ear.
Why Should You Remove Water in Ear?
One may brush water in ear off as a minor problem, but it isn’t. The water in ear may cause many problems like inflammation and irritation in the ear.
This condition is also referred as the “Swimmer’s ear”. If the water trapped inside is dirty or has any bacteria in it, it can react with your skin and cause infections in the ear which can in some cases lead to hearing loss (1).
However, if you take proper care and get water out of your ear that won’t come out, you are less likely to develop any infections or problems.
How Would You Know You Have Water in Ear?
So how does it feel when you have water in ear?
There need to be some symptoms which play signals to let us know that something has to be taken care of, so here are some of the water in ear symptoms that will tell you that your ears need your attention.
- Pressure in your ears
- Sloshing sounds when you tilt your head
- Pain in your ears
- Wetness in the inner ear
- Tickling feeling in your ears
- Not being to hear clearly in that ear
These are the symptoms you need to look after when it comes to taking care of your ears.
Simple Ways to Get Rid of Water in Ear
You know there is water trapped in the ear but can’t get water out of your ear? Here are some of the simple tips to get rid of water in your ear easily and in ways that are not painful. Let’s see each one of them in detail:
1. Drain the Water Down
To remove the water out of your ear, pull your earlobe downwards and tilt your head in the direction of your ear. The water will drain down easily, but if it does not, try jumping in the same position or shake your head vigorously before doing this exercise. It is the most commonly used method to drain water out of the ears.
2. Blow it Out
Eustachian tubes are the connecting path between the middle ear and the back of the nostrils, and they regulate air pressure. While yawning or chewing, the motion taking place can ease up the tension in the tubes and can ensure the passage of water through your nose.
You can hold your nostrils, close your mouth and then gently exhale; you will hear a popping sound which indicates the tubes are opening. It will help you get rid of the water trapped in your ears.
You can hold your nostrils, close your mouth and then gently exhale; you will hear a popping sound which indicates the tubes are opening. It will help you get rid of the water trapped in your ears.
3. Vacuum Suction to Help
Put your palm on your ear and tilt your ear towards your palm and cup your palms outside. Repeat this movement, and this will act as a suction vacuum inside the ear and pull down the water. It should not be done with your ear upwards because this suction can pull down water deep into your inner ear.
4. Use a Blow Dryer
Well, it may sound odd, but a blow dryer can be helpful to get the water out of your ear. The hot air of the dryer passes through water in ear, and converts it into vapors. Following are the necessary steps to be followed:
- Set the dryer at the lowest on heat and air settings
- Keep it 1 foot away from your ear
- Blow air into your back and forth to get results
5. Heat Compress
You can also use heat compress to drain the water in ear. It can open the Eustachian tubes and make it easier for the water trapped in the ear to flow out. Follow the steps below and be relieved of clogged ears:
- Boil some water
- Dip a piece of cloth in it, soak it well
- Drain the excess water and then place the cloth over your ear for 30 seconds
- Wait for a minute and repeat it four times
- Sleep on your side to let the water slip out
Heat compress can be of great help when you want to get the water out of your ear that won’t come out. This method comes handy and serves well.
6. Inhale the Steam
Taking steam for a while through your nose can also give the heat needed to open the Eustachian tubes and can help get the water out of the ear. Follow the below steps to inhale the steam:
- Boil some water in a bowl
- Lean over the bowl and cover your head with towel
- Slowly Inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes
- Tilt your head on the sides to slide the water out
This method is quite simple and can be used easily by everyone. You can also try the same in a hot shower to get similar effect
7. Homemade Ear Drops
You can make ear drops in the home by following the steps given below. If you can’t get water out of the ear, the homemade ear drops can be a useful option. Following are the steps for making homemade ear drops:
- Make 1:1 solution of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar
- Mix both the ingredients well
- Take an ear dropper
- Drop a few drops and rub the opening of the ear
- Wait for 30 seconds
After doing the above steps tilt your heads to the sides to get the water out of your ear and feel better than before.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is an effective remedy for water in the ear. It softens the ear wax and quickly removes the trapped fluid and debris from the ear canal.
Drop a few drops of 3% dilute hydrogen peroxide and wait for 2-3 minutes. Now, tilt your head towards the side to get rid of the water in the ear.
9. Olive Oil
Olive oil is known for its exceptional antiseptic properties. It can benefit your health in numerous ways. Apply a few drops of olive oil in the ear before swimming to prevent water from trapping inside the ear. It breaks down the wax and acts as a lubricant letting the water flow down. Olive oil is the best natural remedy to remove water in ear after swimming.
10. OTC Ear Drops
You can also use over-the-counter ear drops to get rid of water in the ear. Any alcohol based ear drop will work, as the alcohol evaporates faster. Visit your doctor before trying any ear drop.
When to Ask for Medical Help?
Sometimes, minor problems can turn into bigger ones if not taken care of immediately or neglected from the start. Here you should have knowledge of when to consult a doctor in the case of water stuck in the middle ear. The following are the symptoms that it is high time you should seek medical help and get the thing treated
- Increase in pain when you pull your outer ear
- Foul smelling, pus-like discharge from ears
- Itchy feeling in the ears
- Loss of hearing
In the case of any of the symptoms mentioned above, you need to look for medical help immediately.
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