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6 Ways To Get Water Out Of The Ear

Topic Overview

Swimming is perhaps the most common way of water entering the ear and getting trapped. However, there are other instances where water can get trapped in the ear. This is a benign situation and in majority of the cases the water drains out on its own; however, if this does not occur then it may be a cause of concern as it puts the individual at risk for developing a medical condition called Swimmer’s Ear. When water gets trapped in the ear it causes a ticking sensation which may spread from the ear to the jaw and the throat. The sounds that they hear will be muffled. Some people try different things such as inserting pens, fingers, or other objects into the ear to get the water out.[1] This however is not advised since the inner part of the ear is quite sensitive and any damage to the ear canal or other structure may cause an infection. With this being said, it is also important to get the water out of the ear as quickly as possible since pooling of contaminated water may increase the risk of a bacterial infection in the ear. Additionally, if water gets trapped in the ear from swimming in a lake or a pond then the chances of an infection increases multifold.[1] The risk of an infection due to pooling of water inside the ear also increases in people who already have an existing dermatological condition like psoriasis or eczema. Thus it is important to get the water out of the ear as quickly as possible. Below mentioned in the article are six simple ways to get water out of the ear without any risk for an infection.[1]

6 Ways To Get Water Out Of The Ear

6 Ways To Get Water Out Of The Ear

Below mentioned are six simple ways to get water out of the ear.

  1. Earlobe Tugging: This is quite an effective an easy way to get water out of the ears. For this, the individual just has to bend the side of the neck where the affected ear is towards the shoulder. Next he or she just has to tug the earlobe gently. This is good enough to drain water of the ears. Alternatively, the individual can also shake the earlobes gently after bending the neck towards the shoulder on the affected side.[1]
  2. Create Vacuum:

    This is yet another simple way to get water out of the ears. The individual just has to tightly cup the affected ear such that there is a vacuum created which pushes the water out of the ears.[1]

  3. Warm Compresses: Apply a warm compress to the affected ear for about half a minute and then remove it. Repeat the process several times. This will allow the water to come out of the ear. Alternatively, if the individual lies down on the affected side it may also help in removing water from the ear.[2]
  4. Evaporation:

    This is also quite effective in getting the trapped water out of the ears. For this, a blow dryer needs to be used. Place the blow dryer a few centimeters away from the affected ear and switch it on by putting it at the lowest setting. Now, blow-dry the ear.[1] While blow drying, it should be ensured that the affected ear is tugged such that the heated air goes inside the ear completely. Move the blow dryer back and forth. The heat from the air will completely evaporate the water trapped in the ears.[1]

  5. Alcohol and Vinegar: If the above remedies do not work then a combination of 50% alcohol and 50% vinegar in eardrops is the next step towards removing water from ear. The alcohol helps in evaporation of water and the vinegar with its antibacterial properties eliminates any bacteria that may be present in the pooled water.[1] Mix about 1 tablespoon of alcohol and vinegar and take about three or four drops in the dropper and put it in the ear. After about a minute tilt the head and allow the solution to drain out. This should be good enough to get the trapped water out of the ear.[1]
  6. Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide:

    Dilute a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in water and put about two to three drops of the solution in the ear by using a sterile dropper. After about a minute tilt the head sideways and allow the solution to drain out. This is also quite effective in getting water out of the ear.[1]

How To Prevent Water From Getting Trapped In The Ear?

Even though removing water from the ear is quite easy as can be seen by the steps mentioned above, it is always better to know the ways to prevent water from getting trapped in the ear. This can be done easily by wearing a cap or ear plugs when swimming either in a pool or any other water body. Once out of the water, it is always better to clean the ears with a dry towel so as to take any water out of the ears that may have seeped in.[1] Ear plus is a must for people who play water sports or stay in the water for long periods of time. In case if water does enter the ears then the methods above can be employed to get the water out. Ear plugs and caps are available easily in stores or can be purchased online.[1]

References:

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:August 2, 2021

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