Looking to handle **How To Get Water Out of Your Ear** without risking irritation or infection? Many swimmers, surfers, and even casual bathers experience that tickling sensation or muffled hearing when water gets stuck in the ear canal. This extra moisture can become uncomfortable and, if left untreated, may lead to issues such as swimmer’s ear. You can learn more about simple removal methods by checking out our in-depth resource on removing water from your ears. In this article, you’ll find answers to why water remains inside the ear, potential problems it can create, and six practical tips to help it drain quickly.
Why Water Gets Trapped in Your Ear
Our ear canal isn’t always perfectly straight, and this natural curvature can cause fluid to linger. Swimmers who spend long hours in the pool are especially prone to trapped water, since frequent submersion raises the likelihood of fluid entering the ear canal. Children with narrower ear canals also face a higher risk of water retention.
Sometimes, excess earwax can form barriers that hold water in place. In other cases, simply tilting the head the wrong way during a shower allows a trickle of water to remain. Officials at the International Journal of Audiology note that individuals who swim often are 2.4 times more likely to encounter ear-related problems compared to non-swimmers.
Key Dangers of Water in the Ear
Trapped water increases the risk of outer ear infections, often known as swimmer’s ear. It can also create an environment where bacteria and fungi thrive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 2.4 million healthcare visits for swimmer’s ear each year in the United States. Ear pain, redness, and discharge are all warning signs of an infection.
In addition, water exposure can introduce germs from pools or natural bodies of water. These germs flourish in warm, moist places and may worsen existing ear issues. Learn more about possible hazards by browsing our piece on why pool water can pose certain health risks.
6 Effective Tips to Encourage Drainage
Below are six proven strategies to help you remove unwanted water from your ear. Each method is simple, but choose wisely based on your comfort level and whether you have existing ear conditions. For instance, if you have a perforated eardrum, consult a healthcare professional before using any drops or irrigation methods.
Tip #1: Use Gravity and a Side-Lying Position
This approach relies on letting gravity work for you. Begin by lying down on your side with the affected ear facing downward. The water may begin to drip out after a few moments. Gently tug on your earlobe in different directions so the ear canal straightens slightly, which can free trapped water. Compared to more proactive methods like blowing air into the ear, gravity drainage requires minimal movement and zero equipment.
Some people pair this strategy with a clean, thin towel placed under the ear to catch any water. If you notice only a few drops come out at first, remain in the position for another minute. This can be less direct than other tips, but many find it easier and gentler.
Tip #2: Create a Vacuum Seal
For this method, tilt your head so your affected ear is facing up. Cup your palm firmly over the ear, pressing gently to form a tight seal. Push your palm in and pull away in quick, repetitive motions. These movements alter the pressure in the ear canal, drawing water closer to the surface. Afterwards, tilt your head downward to release the trapped fluid.
Compared to the hair dryer approach, the vacuum seal method requires no electricity and can be done almost anywhere. Just be cautious not to push your hand too forcefully against your ear, which could lead to discomfort.
Tip #3: Try a Warm Compress
An elevated temperature around the ear can encourage fluid to move. Soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and gently place it against your outer ear for about 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat several times. This tactic can cause subtle expansion of the tissues in the ear canal, making it easier for water to escape.
If you prefer a more active approach to removing fluid, you might find inspiration in our easy ways guide to removing ear water. Warm compresses are safe for most adults, but if you have chronic ear infections or tubes in your ears, check with a doctor before applying any heat.
Tip #4: Use a Hair Dryer on Low Heat
Some people mistake this approach for blasting the highest heat setting directly into the ear, but that’s not recommended. Instead, set the dryer to the lowest temperature and speed. Hold it about a foot away from your ear, and gently sweep the air back and forth. The warm flow can help evaporate the water. In a study published in the Journal of Family Practice, combining gravity drainage with a short session of a hair dryer on low heat removed trapped water in 95% of participants within five minutes.
Compared to applying a warm compress, the hair dryer approach can offer quicker results. Still, it’s essential to keep the temperature comfortable. If you sense any burning or pain, turn the dryer off immediately. Avoid aiming the nozzle directly into your ear canal for an extended time.
Tip #5: Try Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar Drops
A mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar helps dry excess moisture and can normalize the ear’s pH level. Using a sterile dropper, place two or three drops into the ear while tilting your head to the side. After about 30 seconds, tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the fluid drain out.
Compared to the hair dryer technique, drops can directly break the surface tension of water inside the ear. However, do not use this method if you suspect a perforated eardrum or have had recent ear surgery. Vinegar can irritate the ear canal in people with especially sensitive skin.
Tip #6: Steam or Gentle Jaw Movements
If you prefer a natural option, inhale steam from a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for several minutes. Drape a towel over your head to trap the moisture around your face. Also, gently tilt and rotate your head from side to side. The steam can help open the Eustachian tubes, allowing water trapped further in the ear to move. Gentle yawning or chewing might have a similar effect.
Compared to the rubbing alcohol drops, steam treats the broader sinus and ear region without applying anything directly into the ear. Keep in mind, though, that inhaling steam might not provide the same targeted dryness as other tips on this list. If you’re seeking more visual guidance, you might explore visual tips for quick water removal posted on our site.
When to Seek Professional Help
In most cases, water drains away on its own within 24 to 48 hours. If you still feel liquid in your ear after two days—or if you develop pain, swelling, yellowish discharge, or reduced hearing—contact a healthcare professional. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems can face higher infection risks and may need to address ear issues more quickly.
Medical treatments involve prescription ear drops with antibiotic or antifungal properties. Ear irrigation performed under professional supervision may also help, especially if excess earwax is blocking fluid. In rare cases, an ENT specialist might use suction devices to remove stubborn water.
While saltwater environments might seem beneficial at times, individuals who regularly swim in the ocean can face other concerns such as surfer’s ear (abnormal growth of bony tissue in the ear canal). If you’re curious about the pros and cons of different swimming environments, consider checking out the benefits and potential drawbacks of saltwater pools.
Wrapping Up
Water in the ear can be a frustrating experience for swimmers, surfers, and everyday shower enthusiasts alike. By leaning on simple techniques like gravity drainage, a warm compress, or gentle suction, you have a strong chance of dislodging the fluid before it leads to discomfort or infection. If you’d like further advice for ear dryness, head to our post on additional tips for removing unwanted water. Above all, remain attentive to your ear health—seek professional care if you see signs of infection, and remember that prevention (like using well-fitted swim plugs) can minimize future ear trouble.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). “Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) Fact Sheet.” Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/ear-infections-otitis.html
2. International Journal of Audiology. (2010). “Analysis of Swimmers’ Ear Risk Factors.” Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com
3. Journal of Family Practice. (2015). “Effectiveness of Home Water Removal Methods.” Available at: https://www.jfponline.com
