Key Takeaways:
- Water sometimes gets temporarily stuck in the ear canal, due to the bendy shape of the ear canal.
- You can help it along by tilting your head to the side of the affected ear, gently pull up on the outer ear, and wait for the water to drain out.
- Other strategies include trying a hair dryer on a low-heat setting or using hydrogen peroxide.
- Avoid using Q-tips, as they may injure the ear.
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As an audiologist who has worked with countless patients, I can tell you one of the most common problems patients experience is water stuck in their ears. You may have experienced this yourself. Whether it's from swimming, showering, or any other water activity, it can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. Fortunately, it's usually nothing to worry about. And luckily, there are many simple things you can do at home to get that stubborn water out. In this article, we'll go through some at-home suggestions for getting it out and when to see a healthcare professional.
How does it happen?
You may be wondering how in the world water gets stuck in the ear. How far down is it? And where does it get stuck exactly?
The ear canal has a natural bend at two places. Every person's ear canal is unique, like a fingerprint. If you've ever had an ear impression taken of your ear, you've probably noticed that your ear canal is not perfectly straight. Especially for some more 'bendy' canals, water can get stuck more easily down near the eardrum. In some cases, the water is all the way down past the second bend, and with the twists and turns of the ear canal, it may be a bit stubborn. Pulling up gently on the pinna (the outer ear) or earlobe helps to straighten out and elongate the ear canal, making it easier to clear.
Now that we know where the water gets stuck in the ear, let's go through a few methods to help you get water out of the ear.
When to See a Specialist
If the above methods do not work, or you experience pain, discharge, or decreased hearing, it's time to see a specialist. They can safely and effectively remove the water and address any underlying issues. Sometimes, patients come in because they think there's water stuck in the ear, but it's actually wax, or water gets stuck behind some wax in the ear. Other conditions can cause the sensation of fullness in the ear. Sometimes, what feels like water in the ear may be a middle ear infection. So if you're not succeeding with these methods, seeing an ENT to resolve the issue is best.
How to Prevent Water in the Ear
Consider some swim plugs if you're an avid swimmer or water sports enthusiast. Water in the ear can lead to a swimmer's ear; thinking ahead helps to prevent discomfort or infection. Swim earplugs are molded to fit your ear so that water doesn't go in where it could get stuck. Swim plugs are made of lightweight, buoyant material, so they float in water (and won't end up at the bottom of the lake or swimming pool).
For a low-budget option, consider a moldable earplug. These earplugs are typically made of wax or pliable material that conforms to your ear shape, blocking water from entering the ear canal. Mack’s earplugs make a moldable silicone earplug, for example. There are just a few simple steps to use this type of earplug properly. Roll the material into a ball in your hand. Place the material so that it covers the ear canal. Press the material with the palm of your hand to make a flat plug that seals off the ear canal.
Conclusion
Water stuck in your ear can be a nuisance, but these tips can help you safely and effectively remove it. Using cotton swabs can worsen the situation, so it's best to avoid them. If the problem persists or you experience any concerning symptoms, seek help from a specialist. If you're an avid swimmer or water sports fan, consider getting some swim earplugs to keep your ears dry and prevent water from getting stuck. Don't let this situation put a damper on your summer fun!
