It’s a common occurrence in camping near a lake to take a bath where the water source is abundant. Swimming in a lake is a recreational activity that allows you to feel refreshed and clean at the same time.
However, swimming comes with certain risks like infiltrating your ears. So how do you get water out of your ear? Find out here.
Water getting stuck in your ear can drain on its own, because ears have self-cleaning and self-protecting mechanisms. But the case is different if it’s stuck deep inside your ear canal.
There are several methods on how to get the water out of your ear. But in serious circumstances, you may need medical treatment if you think you can’t handle it on your own.
Why Do You Need to Remove Water from Your Ear?
There’s no way you should not do anything to remove the water out of your ear. In mild cases, you may feel discomfort and tickling sensations.
You might even want to scratch it because you have the urge but this is not advisable as you could aggravate the situation. You can get inflammation from the friction with your ear canal and push back the water to your ear drum.
Also, other things you can feel are muffled sounds, ringing, and you won’t be able to hear properly. In more serious cases, you can get infections as water have different particulates or microorganism that float on its surface.
If you get to ignore the water clogging your ear, you are susceptible to get swimmer’s ear – a type of ear infection.
12 Treatments on Clogged Water in Your Ear
We’ve listed the methods in cleaning your ears, and the materials are found inside your home. Consider doing the following for a cheaper alternative than going to a doctor. But if you feel that the water won’t come out no matter what you do, it’s best to let an ear specialist handle your case.
1. Tilting Your Head
This method is one of the most basic and cheapest ways to solve your problem. For this method, you will take advantage of the gravity wherein all objects will fall downward.
Here’s what needs to be done; tilt your head sideways numerous times and then tilt it to the direction where the affected ear is parallel to the ground facing downward. The water will then drain out from your ear. You can wipe the fluid that came out of your ear with a clean towel.
There are some variations to this method. You just have to jump many times while in the head tilt position.
2. Vacuum
This is similar to the previous treatment but only differs in one motion. After you give a shake in your head a number of times, cover the affected ear with the palm of your hand.
Stay in that position for several second and then immediately remove your hand. The motion will create pressure, and the water will drain out of your ear.
Another variation of this method is placing the palm tightly in your ear; you stimulate your ear by gently moving the palm in a circular motion. This, in turn, allows the moist wax inside to move away then make you hear more audibly.
3. Valsalva Maneuver
Performing this method removes the water from your ear through popping sound because your Eustachian tubes were opened.
To do this, you need to have a closed mouth and take a deep breath. Cover your nose with your fingers and release the air accumulated through your nose but slowly. The motion regulates the air pressure, and your Eustachian tubes will open.
4. Chewing or Yawning
Chewing something like gum can help you get rid of the clogged water. The mechanism behind this is that through chewing, your Eustachian tubes open where they’re attached to the inner ear. Yawning also does this effect.
To remove the water, do either chewing or yawning and then tilt your head sideways with the clogged ear facing downward. The water will then drain outward.
5. Alcohol and Vinegar
This method is easy and a quick remedy to your water-clogged ears. Rubbing alcohol and vinegar are known for their anti-microbial effects. The vinegar, in particular, can break down the earwax as it’s acidic.
Not only that, but it also kills the bacteria and germs inside your ear. The alcohol easily evaporates and even if you can’t drain out the water, it will mix with the alcohol and will soon evaporate in a few minutes.
To apply this treatment, mix half of rubbing alcohol with half of vinegar in a container. Put the mixture in a medicine dropper and drop a few into the affected ear.
Stimulate your ear by rubbing it gently with your palm to further the reach of the mixture. Once you’re done, tilt your affected ear downward and wait until the water comes out.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
It’s like vinegar and alcohol due to the same properties, but the applications of hydrogen peroxide to your ear is much wider. The hydrogen peroxide can help you get rid of debris, earwax, bacteria, and also water from the ear canal.
To do this, pour hydrogen peroxide into a dropper and put a few drops into your affected ear. Allow it to rest for two minutes then tilt your head downwards so the water can come out.
A word of caution for using this method and the previous method: don’t do them if you think you have a punctured eardrum or an ear inflammation that can get really stingy when having contact with these chemicals.
7. Blow Dryer
This method is pretty convenient if you have a blow dryer in your own house. The blow dryer’s hot air will help the stuck water evaporate faster from water into steam. You should exercise caution in doing this method so you won’t get burnt.
The setting of the blow dryer should be at its lowest then hold it 1 foot away from your ear. Pull your earlobe down so the opening is widened. The hot air will then enter the ear canal and will dissipate the water in your ear.
8. Hot Compress
The heat from can also open the Eustachian tubes where the water is frequently stuck in your ear canal. The way to do this method is to make use of warm water, make sure it’s not boiling! Place a piece of cloth into the water and wring it correctly.
Then position the piece of fabric on your affected ear for 2 minutes to help open the Eustachian tubes. Tilt your head while the affected ear faces down; the water will soon drain out.
9. Olive Oil
Don’t be surprised to see olive oil as water removal in this list. Olive oil has any application, and that includes your ear. It can help drain out water and also prevent water from getting trapped before you go swimming. It helps lubricate your ear canal.
Furthermore, olive oil can help reduce the risk of having an ear infection as it’s an antiseptic. To do this treatment, heat the oil in a cooking pan. Let it cool for a few minutes until the temperature is tolerable but still warm.
Pour some contents into a dropper and put a few drops into your affected ear. Make it sit for 10 minutes and then you can drain out the water by tilting your head sideways.
10. Steam
Like hot compress method, this one aims to open Eustachian tubes through steam. Heat the water and pour it into a bowl. Cover your head with a large towel, enough to cover both of your ears. Align your head to the bowl and start inhaling the steam for 5 minutes.
As the nose and ear are connected, the Eustachian tubes will then slowly open. Tilt your head to the side and wait for the water to come out.
11. Ear Drops
Ear drops are common and can be purchased at pharmacies without the consent of a doctor. These ear drops are perfectly safe to use and can effectively remove water as it contains alcohol that evaporates quickly and can help clean your ear canal.
12. Seek consultation
If you think that you already have an ear infection, and it affects your hearing, ask for help directly from an ear doctor. Severe symptoms that need to be addressed medically include pus, pain, itching, and loss of hearing.
Prevention Tips
In this context, you’d better wear ear plugs when you go to swimming so water cannot enter. Another way is to wear a swimmer cap that covers your head and also your ears.
Conclusion
With the above-listed home remedies, the removal of water is very easy and won’t hurt your pocket. However, be reminded that preventing the same scenario from happening again comes first and should be practiced at all times.
So the next time someone asks, how do you get water out of your ear, you already know what to do.
