How to get water out of your ear is one of the problems most swimmers encounter. Usually, water drains out naturally on their own, but if not, it could cause an infection called swimmer's ear.
Apart from having hearing problems, people who have water trapped inside the ear could have a tickling sensation from ear to jaw or throat. Here are the dos and don'ts of getting water out of your ears.
The "Do's" to get water out of your ear
Here are 7 ways to remove water that has been trapped in your ear safely.
Tugging or jiggling earlobes
Tilt your head down toward the shoulder while tugging or jiggling your earlobe could help get the water out of your ears. You could also shake your head from side to side.
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Create a vacuum
While tilting your head sideways, create a vacuum by keeping a palm tightly cupped over your ears. Rapidly flatten and cup your hand against your ear to pull the water out.
Use a blow dryer
Set the blow dryer to its lowest setting then use it about one foot away from your ears. Tug your earlobes, then move the dryer back-and-forth to help evaporate the water.
Apply warm compress
Leave a warm compress to your ear for about 30 seconds, then remove it for one minute. Repeat the method for four to five times while lying down to help drain the water.
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Alcohol and vinegar ear drops
Mix alcohol and vinegar in equal parts, then use a sterile dropper to apply three to four drops into your ears. Tilt your head sideways after 30 seconds to let the water out.
Using hydrogen peroxide ear drops
Apply three to four drops of diluted hydrogen peroxide ear drops. Tilt your head after two to three minutes.
Over-the-counter drying drops
You could buy over-the-counter drops to help remove water from your ears.
The "Don'ts" when you get water out of your ear
Using the wrong methods of removing water trapped in your ears could harm your ear canal. To avoid damaging your hearing, here are some reminders.
Never use cotton swabs
Inserting cotton swabs into your ears could cause harm than good. Apart from removing the wax that protects your ear, they could pack dirt and earwax down in your ear canal. They could also disrupt the natural bacteria in your ear. Other than that, swabs could also irritate the thin skin of your ear canal.
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Never stick finger or fingernails
Using your fingers or nails to clean your ears could scratch the delicate skin of your ear canal.
Use hydrogen peroxide with caution
You should never use drying drops or hydrogen peroxide if you have ear tubes or a ruptured eardrum.
