How to Get Water Out of Your Ears

Tips for Getting Water Out of Your Ears, Home Cleaning, and When to See an ENT.

Getting Water Out of Your Ears: Safe Methods

1. Gravity’s Pull: Tilt your head to the side with the affected ear facing downward. You can gently hop on one foot or lay on your side to encourage the water to drain out.
2. Use a Hair Dryer: On the lowest heat setting, and at least a foot away, aim the dryer at your ear. The warm air can help evaporate the trapped water.
3. Over-the-Counter Ear Drops: Several ear drops are designed to help dry up excess water. Always use as directed. Do not put any drops in your ear if you have ear tubes, a hole in the eardrum, previous ear surgery, or ear pain or drainage.
4. Yawn or Chew: If your ear still feels full but no water comes out, the problem may be pressure or fluid behind the eardrum rather than water in the canal; swimming water cannot get behind an intact eardrum. Swallowing or yawning can help equalize pressure. If fullness lasts more than one to two weeks, have it checked.

Ear Cleaning at Home

Routine ear cleaning isn’t necessary for most people. Our ears are self-cleaning, with earwax naturally moving from the ear canal to the ear opening, where it dries up and falls out. However, if you feel the need to clean your ears at home, here are some best practices:

1. Avoid Cotton Swabs: Inserting anything into the ear canal can push earwax further in, leading to impaction. Swabs can also damage the eardrum if pushed in too far. Most earwax impactions I see are caused by cotton swabs, which push wax deeper. Avoid them!
2. Earwax Softening Drops: Over-the-counter earwax drops can soften earwax so it falls out more easily.
3. Use a Warm Cloth: Wipe the outer ear with a warm, damp cloth, placed over a finger, to remove excess earwax.
4. Try Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Tilt your head and use a dropper to place a few drops into your ear. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head the other way to let the solution drain out. Do not use peroxide or any other drops if you have ear tubes, a hole in the eardrum, previous ear surgery, or ear pain or drainage.

When to Visit an ENT Specialist

In some cases, water trapped in the ear or earwax buildup can lead to complications. Here are signs and symptoms that warrant a visit to an ENT specialist:

1. Pain or Discomfort: Mild discomfort from water is normal, but if you experience persistent pain, it’s time to see a doctor.
2. Hearing Loss: If water in the ear or earwax buildup leads to a noticeable reduction in hearing, visit an ENT.
3. Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears can be a sign of earwax buildup or other underlying conditions.
4. Foul-smelling Discharge: This can be a sign of an ear infection.
5. Persistent Feeling of Water: If you’ve tried home remedies and still feel like water is trapped, it’s wise to get a professional opinion.
6. Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms: This includes itching, redness, swelling, and pain when touching or moving the ear.
7. Frequent Earwax Buildup: If you’re constantly battling earwax impaction, a doctor can provide guidance and potential treatments.

In conclusion, while having water trapped in your ears can be an uncomfortable experience, it’s often easy to address with a few simple methods. Routine ear cleaning at home isn’t necessary for everyone, but if you do choose to clean your ears, always ensure you’re using safe methods. Lastly, if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms or complications from trapped water or earwax buildup, don’t hesitate to visit an ENT specialist. Your hearing health is crucial, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution.