Water Stuck in Your Ear: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Get It Out

Getting water stuck in your ear is a common experience that can happen during everyday activities like swimming, showering, or even while cleaning your ears.

While it’s usually harmless and the water drains out on its own, there are times when it can become trapped, leading to discomfort and potential ear issues. Understanding how to address this situation can help prevent complications and keep your ears healthy.

How Does Water Get Stuck in Your Ear?

Water can enter your ear canal during activities like swimming, bathing, or using ear cleaning methods. Normally, the water drains out without any trouble, but sometimes it gets trapped behind earwax or within the ear canal. When water gets stuck, it can cause a sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, and even a feeling of pressure in the ear.

Also Read: Understanding the Causes of Clogged Ears

Symptoms of Water Trapped in the Ear

If water gets trapped in your ear, you might experience:

Muffled Hearing: Sounds may become faint or distorted, as if your ear is plugged.

Gurgling Sounds: You might hear sloshing or gurgling noises when you move your head.

Discomfort or Fullness: A feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected ear.

Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing sounds may develop due to trapped water.

Ear Pain: If the water remains for an extended period, it can lead to pain and discomfort.

Vertigo or Dizziness: In rare cases, trapped water can cause balance issues.

How to Get Water Out of Your Ears

If you feel water is stuck in your ear, here are some methods you can try at home:

Tilt and Shake Your Head: Tilt your head toward the affected side and gently shake your head to encourage the water to drain out.

Pull on Your Earlobe: Gently pull on the earlobe while tilting your head toward your shoulder. This can help straighten the ear canal, making it easier for the water to escape.

Use Gravity: Lie down with the affected ear facing downward to allow gravity to help drain the water.

Yawning or Chewing: These actions can open the Eustachian tube, helping the trapped water to flow out.

Create a Vacuum: Cup your palm over your ear and press gently, creating a vacuum that may pull the water out.

Use a Hair Dryer: Set a hair dryer to the lowest heat setting and hold it at a safe distance from your ear. The warm air can help evaporate the trapped water.

When to Seek Medical Help

If the water remains stuck for more than a couple of days, or if you experience pain, discomfort, or signs of infection such as swelling or discharge, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent water in the ear can lead to conditions like swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), which may require medical treatment.

Also Read: Ear Infection and Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Preventing Water from Getting Stuck in Your Ears

To avoid water getting trapped in your ears:

Use Earplugs: When swimming or bathing, use waterproof earplugs to keep water out.

Dry Your Ears Thoroughly: After swimming or showering, gently dry your ears with a towel.

Avoid Over-Cleaning: Excessive ear cleaning can push wax deeper into the ear canal, increasing the risk of water getting trapped.

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Water trapped in the ear is usually not a serious issue, but it can be uncomfortable and lead to more severe problems if not addressed. By following the steps outlined above, you can help prevent and manage this common issue. If you find yourself struggling to remove the water or experience ongoing symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a hearing care professional at Aanvii Hearing for assistance. For more information call us at 96 5839 5839 or visit us at www.aanviihearing.com.