How to Remove Water from Your Ear

Water trapped in the ear is a common occurrence after swimming or showering, especially during the summer months. At first, this trapped water may only cause discomfort, but if not removed promptly or if the water doesn’t naturally drain, it could lead to inflammation, swelling, or an outer ear infection and ear canal inflammation, also known as acute otitis externa. Fortunately, there are simple techniques to remove trapped water from your ear. If at-home methods don't work and you experience pain, it's best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Prepare a homemade mixture of half alcohol and half white vinegar. In addition to helping remove water from the ear, this solution also disinfects and prevents ear infections. Simply mix 50% alcohol with 50% white vinegar, then use an ear dropper to carefully place a few drops of the mixture into the ear with trapped water. Afterward, dry the ear. You can ask someone to help you apply the solution.

• The acids in the mixture will work to break down any earwax that might be trapping some of the water in the ear canal, while the alcohol will evaporate the water quickly.
• Alcohol helps speed up the evaporation of the trapped water.
• If you have a perforated eardrum, avoid using this method.

Create a "vacuum" effect in your ear. Place the ear with trapped water against the palm of your hand, then gently tap the palm until the water begins to drain. Avoid doing this with the other ear at the same time, as the water might flow back into the ear canal. This technique will create a vacuum-like effect, drawing the water out of your ear and into your hand.

• Alternatively, you can tilt your ear down, insert a finger into the ear, and quickly press and pull to create a vacuum effect. The trapped water will drain quickly. Note that this method is not favored because it may scratch the ear canal and cause an infection. If you choose to use your finger, make sure it is clean and your nails are trimmed.
• While performing this vacuum method, you can also massage your ear clockwise (or counterclockwise) while keeping the ear sealed. This helps soften earwax and expel moisture. This is especially helpful if the trapped water is affecting your hearing.

Dry your ear with a blow dryer. You might be skeptical about a blow dryer removing water from your ear, but this method has been proven effective for many people. Simply set the blow dryer to its lowest heat setting, or even the cool air option. Hold the dryer at least 12 inches away from your head and direct the airflow toward your ear until you feel the moisture evaporating. Just be cautious not to make the air too hot or too close to avoid burning yourself.

• Additionally, you can aim the blow dryer to blow air across the ear, rather than directly into the ear canal. The warm, dry air will help the water evaporate quickly.

Use over-the-counter ear drops to remove water from your ear. Ear drops are available at most pharmacies and often contain alcohol, which helps water evaporate quickly. Place a few drops in the ear and tilt your head to help dry the trapped water.

• As with homemade solutions, you can have someone assist you with applying the ear drops.

Wipe your ear with a dry towel. Gently wipe the outer part of the ear with a soft towel or cloth to remove any remaining water, then tilt your ear against the towel to drain the water trapped inside the ear canal. Be careful not to push the towel too deep into your ear to avoid forcing water back in.

Tilt your head to one side. You can try another technique by standing on one leg and tilting your head to one side, aligning the ear with trapped water parallel to the ground, or hop on one foot to help the water exit. Pulling the earlobe to open the ear canal or pressing the top of the ear against your head may also help the water drain.

• You don’t have to hop; just tilting your head to one side could be enough.

Lie down and tilt your ear downward. Gravity can help naturally dry out your ear. Simply lie on your side, positioning the affected ear facing downward for optimal effect, or use a pillow for added comfort. Stay in this position for at least a few minutes. You can watch TV or find other ways to pass the time if necessary.

• If you have trapped water in your ear at night, remember to lie with the affected ear facing down as you sleep. This will increase the chances of the water naturally draining out while you sleep.

Chew. Mimic the motion of eating to engage the jaw muscles around your ear. Tilt your head toward the unaffected ear, then quickly tilt your head the other way. You can also try chewing gum to see if it helps dislodge the trapped water. The water in the ear is typically stuck at the Eustachian tube, a part of the inner ear, and chewing can help release the water.

• You can also try chewing while tilting your head toward the ear with water for better results.

Yawn. Sometimes you can break up water bubbles simply by yawning. Any movement that affects the water in your ear can help relieve pressure and release the trapped water. If you hear a "pop" or feel the water change inside your ear, the method is likely working. Similar to chewing gum, yawning also helps open the Eustachian tubes.

See a doctor when necessary. You should visit a doctor if you start to feel ear pain. Also, be aware that the symptoms of a middle ear infection can closely resemble those of trapped water in the ear, and the condition requires treatment as well. Ear pain may also be a sign that trapped water has led to acute otitis externa. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor immediately:

• Yellow, greenish, or unusually colored discharge with a foul odor coming from the ear
• Increased ear pain when pulling on the ear lobe
• Loss of hearing
• Itching in the ear canal or the ear itself

Dry your ears after swimming. After swimming – whether in the ocean, pool, or after showering, make sure to keep your ears dry. Use a clean towel to dry the outer ear and gently tap around the ear canal to dry it. Tilt your head to one side or shake your head to get rid of any remaining water in your ears.

• The truth is that some people are more prone to water getting trapped in their ears, largely depending on the shape of their ears. So, if water gets trapped in your ears, be particularly cautious.

Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears. You might think that cotton swabs help remove water, earwax, or foreign objects from the ear, but they actually do more harm than good, as they can push the water or earwax deeper into the ear. Cotton swabs can also scratch the ear canal, leading to pain later.

• Similarly, using tissue paper to clean deeply inside the ear can also cause scratches in the ear.

Avoid using earplugs or cotton balls when water is trapped in your ear. Using earplugs or cotton balls when you sleep at night has the same harmful effect as cotton swabs if you have water or any other object in your ear, as these items will push things deeper into the ear. If you're experiencing ear pain or trapped water, avoid using these items.

• You should also refrain from using headphones until your ear is no longer painful.

• Simply chew gum while lying on your side (with the affected ear facing down). After a few minutes, the water in your ear will drain out naturally.
• Pinch your nose with your fingers and try to blow gently. Be careful not to blow too hard as it could damage your eardrum.
• Try blowing your nose. Changing the air pressure can also help expel water from your ear.
• Pour a capful of IPA alcohol into your affected ear while keeping the ear facing up. Then tilt your head to the side, and the water will immediately drain out.
• Jump up and down while gently pulling your earlobe. Keep a towel nearby to dry any water.
• Pinch your nose and blow while holding your breath; you’ll feel air escaping from the ear where water has entered.
• Don’t insert anything deeply into your ear or scratch it, as this could lead to ear infections.
• Lean your head to one side, jump up and down, and gently pull your ear.
• Tilt your head toward the ear with trapped water, or see a doctor if the tips above don’t work. There may be a more serious underlying issue.
• Shake your head vigorously for about 10 seconds.

• Rubbing alcohol is for external use only. Do not ingest. Call emergency services immediately if accidentally swallowed.
• Rubbing alcohol may cause temporary numbness on the skin upon contact.
• If the tips in this article don’t work for you, consult a doctor.
• Be careful not to lose your balance while jumping. You can hold onto a chair to maintain stability while jumping.
• These methods should help you remove the earwax and water mixture from your ear. So, be mindful not to get the mixture on fabrics that are hard to clean.
• Do not insert foreign objects into your ear. Swabs or similar materials, if pushed too deep, can cause abrasions and lead to infections.