Waterlogged? How to Get Water Out of Your Ears

When the temperatures rise, there’s nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the pool. Doing any kind of water activities during the summer is a great way to have fun and stay cool. However, it can be frustrating when you feel water jostling around in your ear, and you can’t get it out. Getting water in the ears can happen to one or both ears, and can cause a feeling of fullness in your ear canal. Unfortunately, if the water doesn’t trickle out on its own, it can lead to a case of otitis externa, an ear infection that is known as swimmer’s ear. Getting water stuck in your ears can happen for several reasons such as excessive earwax or a narrow ear canal. Luckily, if you are feeling waterlogged, there are methods you can try to get water out of the ears.

Getting water stuck in your ears can be risky, but if you try these tips to get water out of your ears, it may help prevent a case of swimmer’s ear.

• Place the affected ear down on a soft, cotton towel and let gravity do the work. Lay on your ear for a few minutes.
• Chew gum or yawn (or move your jaw up and down) while tilting the affected ear towards the ground.
• Using heat can help water in the ears. Just lay the affected ear down on a warm compress for a few minutes.
• Using hydrogen peroxide ear drops can help with the removal of water from the ears. However, you mustn’t use this method if you have an ear infection, eardrum tubes, or a perforated eardrum.
• Open up your Eustachian tubes by taking a breath, then pinch your nose and close your mouth then gently exhale.
• Gently tug on your earlobe while tilting your head towards the affected ear.
• Cup your hand and place it over your ear while your head is tilted towards the ground. Gently push and release your hand, creating a back and forth motion to create suction.

Contact a medical professional if you have water in the ears and can’t remove it, or are experiencing pain or a fever.