To get water out of ears, several safe and effective methods can be used:
- Jiggle or pull your earlobe while tilting your head to the side. This may help shake the water loose.
- Use gravity by lying down on your side with the affected ear facing down to allow the water to drain out.
- Create a vacuum by cupping your palm over your ear and gently pushing and pulling to create suction, then tilt your head to drain.
- Use a blow dryer on the lowest and coolest setting at a safe distance to help evaporate the water, while gently pulling your earlobe.
- Try chewing, yawning, or jaw movements to open the Eustachian tubes and help water drain.
- Apply a warm compress against the ear to relax the tissues and encourage drainage.
- Use over-the-counter eardrops made from alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (only if no ear infection or eardrum issues).
- In some cases, adding a little clean water then tilting the ear down can flush out trapped water.
Important precautions: Do not insert objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal as they may cause injury or push water deeper. Avoid using eardrops if you suspect an infection, have a perforated eardrum, or ear tubes.
These methods help remove trapped water, reducing discomfort and lowering the risk of swimmer's ear or infection.
