Water Trapped In Ear: How To Get Rid Of It? - Amplifon

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Water stuck in ear: what to do?

The sensation of having water in the ears is common to everyone, after a shower and, especially in the summer, after a swim in the pool or the sea. This can lead to a muffled ear sensation, which often lasts a short time without consequences. However, when the water does not come out of the ears correctly, it can remain there for days and cause problems such as ear inflammation.

What causes water in the ear?

Water in the ear can result from a variety of activities and environmental factors:

• Swimming: A frequent cause of water entering the ear canal, particularly during the summer.
• Showering or bathing: Routine hygiene practices can also result in water becoming trapped in the ear.
• Environmental factors: High humidity or immersion in unclean water heightens the risk.

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Why does water get stuck in your ear?

Usually, water accumulates in the ear during a shower, bath or through swimming. The water flows into your ear duct and can sometimes generate the characteristic muffled sound.

This is because water floods the ear canal and settles in the ear.It works its way through the slightly sloping ear canal to the eardrum. Due to trapped water, the eardrum cannot move properly and no longer transmits sound completely. That's why you only hear muffled noises accompanied by a low gurgle.

What signs indicate water in the ear?

You will typically hear it rushing and gurgling through the ear canal until it reaches the eardrum. At that point, you will only hear on that side as if through a cotton wool ball. The sounds are muffled and you may also feel dizzy.

Noise and gurgling in the ear canal

When water enters the ear, you may often hear a whooshing or gurgling sound within the ear canal. This sound is caused by the water moving around inside the ear canal and possibly pressing against the eardrum.

Feeling of cotton wool in the ear

A clear indication of water in the ear is a stuffy sensation, as if the ear were filled with cotton wool. This symptom arises when the water obstructs the normal sound pathway and impairs sound transmission.

Muffled hearing

Those affected often report a dull hearing sensation on the impacted side. The water in the ear alters sound transmission, causing sounds to appear muffled or distorted.

Possible dizziness

In some cases, the presence of water in the ear can cause dizziness. This happens when the sense of balance in the inner ear is affected by the pressure or change in volume of the water.

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How to get rid of water in ear?

When water enters the ear, it typically closes off and then reopens on its own after a brief period. If this does not occur, the simplest method to remove the water is to tilt your head to one side and jump on one leg. While doing so, gently shake your head. If this approach is ineffective, consider exploring other methods and techniques to get the water out of your ear.

Tilting Method

One of the simplest and safest ways to remove trapped water from your ear is the tilting method. It uses gravity to help the water drain naturally.

How to perform the tilting method:

• Tilt your head sideways, with the affected ear facing down towards your shoulder.
• Gently tug or pull your earlobe to straighten the ear canal.
• Shake your head lightly or hop on one foot to encourage the water to flow out.
• You can also try lying down on your side with the affected ear resting on a clean towel.

This technique is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any tools or medication. If the water remains trapped after several attempts, other methods or professional advice might be needed.

Tug Your Earlobe

One of the easiest ways to help trapped water escape from your ear is to tug your earlobe. This method works by straightening the ear canal, making it easier for water to drain.

How to use the tugging method:

• Tilt your head so the affected ear faces downward.
• Gently tug your earlobe downward and slightly outward.
• You can also try making small circular motions while pulling.
• Combine this with a gentle shake of your head for better results.

This technique is safe, simple, and can be used anytime you feel water trapped in your ear. If the sensation persists, consider other methods or consult a healthcare professional.

Vacuum technique

Place your palm over the ear and gently push in and out to create a vacuum effect, which can help draw the water out.

Earlobe plucking

This method is especially useful when you are on the move. The individual tilts their head to the side, positioning the affected ear towards the ground, and gently pulls the earlobe back and forth several times. This shaking motion helps to dislodge the fluid so that it can drain away naturally.

Ear drops for water in ear

Water trapped in the ear can be uncomfortable and may lead to infections if not treated promptly. Ear drops designed for water in ear are a popular and effective way to relieve this issue.

Ear drops work by:

• Evaporating trapped water inside the ear canal
• Drying excess moisture with ingredients like alcohol or acetic acid
• Helping prevent infections such as swimmer’s ear

Ear candles

Ear candle therapy can create a negative pressure in the ear, which can help loosen water and facilitate its drainage. However, ear candles are not appropriate for treating a blockage caused by ear wax, and therefore should not be used to remove water from the ears either.

Hairdryer technique

A common home remedy to help dry water trapped in your ear is using a hairdryer. However, it must be done carefully to avoid damaging your ear or causing burns.

How to safely use a hairdryer:

• Set the hairdryer to the lowest heat and fan setting to avoid overheating.
• Hold the dryer about 30 cm (12 inches) away from your ear.
• Gently pull your earlobe down and back to open the ear canal.
• Move the hairdryer slowly around the ear, allowing warm air to evaporate the trapped water.
• Avoid blowing air directly into the ear canal forcefully.

Important:

1. Do not use high heat or hold the dryer too close, as this can cause burns or discomfort.
2. If you experience pain or irritation, stop immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

When to see a doctor?

If the suggested methods do not resolve the water in your ear, it is important to promptly schedule an appointment with your ENT specialist. They can safely drain the water and dry the ear canal. Prolonged exposure of the ears to water can lead to fluid reaching deep into the ear, potentially causing complications and illnesses.

It's crucial for the ear to dry promptly. If water has been trapped in the ear for days, it may have caused swelling of the earwax, affecting hearing. This should also be addressed by an ENT specialist to restore unrestricted hearing. Water in the ear not only causes discomfort and pain but can also pose risks if left unresolved for an extended period. If there are signs of ear inflammation, it is highly advisable to consult your GP or otolaryngologist promptly.

Is it dangerous if water remains in the ear?

While water trapped in the ear isn’t usually serious, leaving it untreated can sometimes lead to complications. Prolonged moisture creates a warm, damp environment that can encourage bacterial or fungal growth, potentially causing an infection known as swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).

Possible risks include:

- Ear infection, causing pain, redness, and swelling - Temporary hearing difficulties due to blockage - Itching and discomfort

If you notice symptoms such as persistent pain, discharge, or hearing loss, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly to avoid further complications.

Earache after getting water in ear​

If you still have water in your ear or have had it recently and are currently suffering from ear pain, this is an alarm signal for an ear canal infection or exostosis and an appointment with an ENT doctor is urgent. Pain and itching in the ear can indicate an infection in the ear caused by germs in the water.

If necessary, the ENT doctor can prescribe an antibiotic and drain the remaining water from the ear. Failure to treat these warning signals when they occur can, in the worst case, lead to hearing loss.

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

If water remains in the ear and an infection occurs, otitis media may develop. This is especially common in children. Symptoms of otitis media include ear pain, fever, pressure in the ear, and possibly pus-like discharge. Medical treatment with antibiotics may be necessary to fight the infection and prevent possible complications.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)

Swimmer's ear is a painful condition in which infection, inflammation or irritation of the ear occurs after swimming if water gets trapped in it. It is a common disorder among swimmers. Swimmer's ear symptoms may include itching, pain and reduced hearing quality.

External auditory canal exostosis

Water in the ear can also lead to exostosis, a condition in which bony growths appear in the ear canal. This can cause symptoms such as pressure in the ear, hearing loss, and recurrent infections. Surgical removal of the exostosis may be necessary to relieve discomfort.

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Is it bad to get water in baby's ears​?

Getting water in a baby’s ears during bath time or swimming is common and usually not harmful. Babies’ ears are delicate, so extra care is needed to keep them dry and clean.

Things to keep in mind:

• Water trapped in a baby’s ear can sometimes cause irritation or discomfort.
• Babies are more prone to ear infections, so it’s important to dry their ears gently after water exposure.
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or objects into the baby’s ear canal.

If your baby shows signs of ear pain, redness, or fussiness after water exposure, consult a healthcare professional to rule out infection.

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How to avoid getting water in your ears

If you are fond of swimming or diving, swimming earplugs can prevent water from entering your ear and its possible complications. The silicone earplugs, are the most suitable: they protect the ear from water penetration. There are waterproof earplugs for adults on one side and special earplugs for children on the other to protect the ears from water penetration. High-quality earplugs seal the ear canals watertight, hold their shape and let sounds pass while preventing water from entering.

To avoid any inflammation, ear drops with glycerin and alcohol, which protect the pH value of the ear, are particularly suitable. They are great for divers, sailors or lovers of water sports. Overly intensive cleaning of the ears is to be avoided in order not to damage the natural protective film inside the ear. For adequate ear hygiene a little hot water is more than enough. Cotton swabs are not recommended at this juncture: their use, in fact, can push a wax plug already present even deeper into the duct, blocking the water more and making it difficult to extract.

Hearing aids and water in the ear

For hearing aid wearers, moisture and water present special challenges as they can affect performance. Waterproof hearing aids with special coatings or seals are designed to prevent moisture ingress. These are particularly suitable for active people who wear their hearing aids while exercising or outdoors. However, it is important to note that these hearing aids are not completely waterproof and are not suitable for swimming or showering.

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