How to Get Water Out of Your Ears
Water can remain in the ear after swimming or other activities that allow water into the ear canal. A person with water trapped in their ear may experience a tickling or itching sensation that extends from the ear to the jaw or throat. They may also have issues with hearing, including hearing muffled sounds.
6 ways to get water out of the ear
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Water in the ear will usually drain out naturally. However, sometimes a person may need to use home remedies to treat the blocked ears.
Water can remain in the ear after swimming or other activities that allow water into the ear canal. A person with water trapped in their ear may experience a tickling or itching sensation that extends from the ear to the jaw or throat. They may also have issues with hearing, including hearing muffled sounds.
The last 20 years have seen the cost of medical care increase about 70% faster than the rate of general inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Healthcare inflation dropped to a historical low after 2010 but is again on the rise as of 2018, according to Bloomberg.
Usually, the water will drain out by itself due to the ear’s structure and water-repellant earwax. If the water does not drain out, it may lead to an outer ear infection, called swimmer’s ear.
This article discusses six tips to safely remove water from the ear and the methods to avoid, preventions, risks, and when to seek medical attention.
A person can try various things to help drain water from the ear or clear out any debris trapping the liquid in the ear. If people try one or more of the following tips, it may help resolve the issue.
Experts recommend that people do not insert any foreign objects into the ear canals. Doing so can cause injuries or worsen earwax (cerumen) impaction by pushing it deeper into the canal.
If the issue worsens or persists for a few days, a person should consult a doctor even after trying these methods.
Many people will instinctively move or tug the earlobe when water gets in their ears.
Lying down on one side and keeping still for a few minutes may help the liquid drain or trickle from the ear.
Tilt the head so the affected ear faces down. Hold the earlobe with the thumb behind the ear and gently tug and jiggle the ear in all directions. This may help shake the inside of the ear and create a path for any trapped water to flow out.
It may also help to wiggle the deeper areas of the ear during this process. Try yawning, wiggling the jaw, or making exaggerated chewing motions with the mouth to help move water towards the outer canal, and then tug at the earlobe to finish the process.
If a person experiences pain while tugging the earlobe, this is a sign of infection, and time to consult a doctor. They may prescribe medicated eardrops to clear an infection if that is the underlying cause.
In addition to eardrops, some doctors in the United States may perform aural toilet. This involves inserting a thin instrument with a small hoop into the ear to clean it.
Using the palms to get some reverse pressure in the ear and vacuum the water out may be possible.
Tilt the head to the side so the affected ear faces down. Cup the hand around the ear, so the palm covers most of the ear and ear canal.
Push the cupped palm toward the ear, slightly pressing the ear into the head, and then pulling away again. The palm should flatten as it presses into the ear and cup again as it pulls away. The person should feel suction and release in the ear during this activity.
After doing this a few times, tilt the head down to allow the liquid to drain. It may help to jiggle the earlobe again to help the water out.
Soak a towel or washcloth in warm water and squeeze out the extra water. Make sure the towel is not too hot, as this may cause a burn or irritation in the ear.
A warm compress may help relax the tissues in the ear and loosen congestion in the area.
Fold the towel and tilt the head, resting the ear on the compress. Rest there for several minutes, letting the warmth relax the ear and promote drainage.
It may also help to use other techniques after the ear is warm, such as yawning or tugging at the ear to promote further drainage.
Some people may choose to evaporate any extra water in the ear canal using air from a blow dryer. To do this, rest the head on a towel or pillow, with the affected ear facing the blow dryer.
Put the blow dryer on the lowest setting, and keep the device at least a foot away from the head. Pull on the ear lobe to open and direct more air into the ear.
Be sure to do this in a clean room free from dust, hair, or other debris that could blow into the ear. Ensure that the device is far enough away so the pressure from the air or sound from the motor does not damage the delicate structures in the ear.
Alcohol and vinegar may work together to help clear moisture and debris from the ear. Alcohol may help evaporate water. Both alcohol and vinegar may also help kill any bacteria in the ear and break down any earwax or other buildup blocking the ear.
Make a solution with an equal mix of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Once combined, tilt the head with the affected ear facing up, and apply a few drops into the ear.
Gently rub the outside of the ear, massaging the liquid into place. Leave it in the ear for about 30 seconds, and then allow it to drain out over a towel or the sink. Clean up and dry the outer ear.
People who have any ear issues, such as an ear infection, ruptured eardrum, or open cuts in the ear, should not use these remedies.
People can also use warm olive oil to help prevent ear infections and get water out of the ear. Place a few drops of the oil directly into the ear, and lie down on one side for several minutes. Sit up, tilt head, and allow the liquid to drip out.
Hydrogen peroxide solutions may help remove wax and debris blocking the path in the ear canal that may be trapping water and causing an issue. While earwax is important to trap debris and contaminants into the ear, it may also become clogged or trap water behind the wax.
Several over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops combine hydrogen peroxide with other ingredients to help unclog sticky or impacted earwax and other liquids stuck in the canal.
A diluted hydrogen peroxide solution may also help clear out the ear canal. To make the solution, mix 3% hydrogen peroxide (the concentration that researchers generally recommend to remove earwax) with an equal amount of water.
Tilt the head so the affected ear faces up. Put 2–3 drops of the solution into the affected ear and let it work for a few minutes. Slowly turn the head, let the ear drain into a towel or over the sink, and dry the outer ear.
Doctors recommend not using hydrogen peroxide too often.
Additionally, some people should not use hydrogen peroxide in their ears, including those who:
- have had recent ear surgery
- have ear tubes or ventilation tubes
- have open cuts in their ear canal
- may have a ruptured eardrum
- have a possible ear infection
Anyone uncertain about their status should check with a doctor before using hydrogen peroxide in their ears.
There are some general tips to consider when getting water out of the ear.
There are certain don’ts, including:
- putting objects into the ear canal, such as cotton swabs, paperclips, or bobby pins
- putting the fingers or fingernails into the ears
- placing blow dryers, fans, or things that force air into the ear very close to the ear, as the noise or pressure may be damaging to the delicate structures in the ear
No one should use either of the methods that involve ear drops if they already have an ear infection, a punctured eardrum, or ear tubes.
General tips to help prevent water from staying in the ear include:
- wearing a cap, earplugs, or ear molds when bathing or swimming
- avoiding submerging head in water
- using a dry towel to clean the outside of the ears after coming out of the water
- avoiding using earbuds or headphones for prolonged periods while sweating, such as during a heavy workout
- talk with a doctor about regular wax buildup and how to keep the ears clear
However, blocking the ear with cotton balls and petroleum jelly when showering to make a water barrier seal is the safest, most reliable, and affordable treatment.
People who play water sports, swim, or are frequently in water may wear earplugs. Thoroughly drying and shaking the head from side to side after getting out of the water may also help drain water from the ears.
If water stays in the ear for too long, a person may develop an infection. The infection generally occurs as bacteria in the ear or water have an ideal place to multiply, leading to a response in the body that causes symptoms.
People may be more at risk of swimmer’s ear (acute otitis externa) if they swim in water that contains high levels of bacteria, such as a lake. Swimming pools and spas are generally safer, as they usually have rules about checking bacteria and pH levels regularly.
The risk of developing swimmer’s ear also increases for people who already have a chronic skin condition that affects the ear, such as psoriasis or eczema.
The ear has several defense mechanisms to protect against infections, but some issues can create the ideal conditions for an infection, including:
- excess moisture in the ear
- scratches or cuts in the ear canal
- allergies to hair products or jewelry
Some doctors recommend that people with swimmer’s ear wear earplugs when swimming and dry the ears thoroughly with a blow dryer or towel afterward.
Infection and other complications
If an infection develops, people may experience intense itching and increasing pain. The ear may become too painful to touch. A person may also experience fluid drainage or a discharge of pus. A severe infection may lead to fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and pain in the face, neck, or side of the head.
Some people will experience recurring ear infections (chronic otitis externa), and temporary hearing loss may occur. When the infection clears up, hearing usually improves.
Rarely, untreated swimmer’s ear can lead to bone and cartilage damage, or malignant otitis externa. In some cases, untreated ear infections can spread to the base of the skull or cranial nerves.
To evaluate a person’s swimmer’s ear, a doctor will look for redness and swelling in the ear canal and ask if they are experiencing any pain.
A doctor may also take a sample of any abnormal fluid or discharge in the ear (ear culture) to test for the presence of bacteria or fungus if a person has recurrent or severe infections.
A person should talk with a doctor if the problem persists for several days or if the ear becomes painful and inflamed at any point, as this is a sign of infection.
Ear infections can become serious if not properly treated.
If the pain is severe or a person has a fever, consult a doctor immediately.
It may be necessary to consult an ear specialist if:
- an ear infection has not gone away 10-14 days after using antibiotic ear drops
- the person has lost their hearing
- the infections persistently reoccur
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommend that people do not attempt to remove earwax from their ears, as it is the earwax that helps protect the ear from infection.
Anyone who thinks that they have wax blocking their ear canal should talk with a doctor.
A person may get water trapped in their ear after bathing or swimming.
There are several simple ways to help encourage this water out of the ear. Some efforts, such as wearing swimmers’ earplugs, can help prevent water from becoming trapped in the ear.
Getting water out of the ear may help reduce the risk of infection and allow the ear to work as it should.
Anyone who cannot get the water out of their ear in a few days or who experiences other symptoms of infection along with this symptom should talk with a doctor or ear specialist.
Last medically reviewed on December 17, 2021
- Ear, Nose, and Throat
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https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/ - Earwax build-up. (2021).
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/earwax-build-up - Facts about swimmer’s ear. (n.d.).
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/swimming/resources/pseudomonas-factsheet_swimmers_ear.pdf - Schwartz, S. R., et al. (2017). Clinical practice guideline (Update): Earwax (Cerumen Impaction).
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0194599816671491 - Schumann, J. A., et al. (2021). Ear irrigation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459335/ - Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). (2018).
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How to Get Water Out of Your Ears
You just finished a swim or shower. Do your ears ever feel clogged? Are sounds muffled? You may have water in your ears.
You can even get sweat trapped in your ears from wearing earbuds. If you don’t take care of it soon, you can end up with an infection known as otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear. When water sits in your ear canal, bacteria that live there all the time can multiply and cause an infection.
But you have to get the water out safely. Do it wrong, and you might boost your odds of swimmer’s ear. If you have a ruptured eardrum or tubes in your ears, you have to be extra careful about how you dry your ears.
Dos for Getting Water Out of Your Ears
If you have water in your ears, take these steps to get it out safely.
- Dry your outer ear with a soft towel or cloth. Don’t stick the cloth into the canal.
- Tip your head to one side to help water drain. Gently pull on your earlobe. This will straighten your ear canal and help the water flow.
- Turn your blow dryer on the lowest setting and blow it toward your ear. Hold it at least a foot away.
- Try over-the-counter drying drops.
- To make drying drops at home, mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol. Pour 1 teaspoon of the solution into each ear; tilt your head and let it drain out.
Don’ts for Getting Water Out of Your Ears
Using the wrong methods for getting water out of your ears can scratch your ear canal or impact earwax in the canal. Don’t use these methods for drying out your ears, or you will be more — not less — likely to get an infection.
- Avoid cotton swabs. They can pack earwax and dirt down in your ear canal, remove the wax that protects your ear, disrupt the natural bacteria in the ear canal, or irritate the thin skin of the ear canal.
- Don’t stick your finger or fingernails in your ears. You can scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal.
- Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or drying drops if you or your child has ear tubes or if you have a ruptured eardrum.
How to Spot an Infection
Look out for these symptoms of swimmer’s ear — just in case the drying tips didn’t work:
- Itching in your ear canal
- Redness inside your ear
- Discomfort or pain that gets worse when you pull on your outer ear or push on the little bump in front of your ear
- Clear, odorless fluid that drains from your ear canal
If you do have these symptoms, your doctor may prescribe eardrops. The drops will kill the bacteria or fungus causing the infection and will ease your pain, swelling, and inflammation.
How to Keep Water Out
Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. To stop moisture from building up in your ears to begin with, try these tips.
- Remove earbuds if you’re sweaty.
- Coat a cotton ball with petroleum jelly and slip it into your outer ears during a bath.
- Block your ears with cotton balls when you use hair spray or hair dye.
- Use earplugs and a swim cap when you go into the water.
- Have your doctor remove earwax if you think you have a problem with wax buildup. Yes, it protects your ears, but too much can trap water in the canal. Always check with your doctor. Never try to get it out yourself.
- Use hydrogen peroxide with your doctor’s approval. If you have wax buildup, they may suggest you clean your ears with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. But you can’t do this if you have tubes in your ears. Put about half of an ear dropper full in your ear. Let it bubble up. Then turn your head to the side, gently pull on the top of your ear, and let it drain.
Show Sources
Mayo Clinic: Swimmer’s Ear: Overview,” “Swimmer’s Ear: Self-management,” “Swimmer’s Ear: Symptoms and Causes,” “Swimmer’s Ear: Treatment.”
American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery: “Swimmer’s Ear.”
Nemours KidsHealth: “Infections: Swimmer’s Ear.”
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: “Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa).”
Cleveland Clinic: “How to Keep Swimmer’s Ear From Ruining Your Summer.”
Children’s Hospital St. Louis: “Swimmer’s Ear vs. Ear Infection: What’s the Difference?
12 Ways to Get Water Out of Your Ear
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
How we vet brands and products
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Was this helpful?
Remove excess water from your ears with methods like blow drying, using different types of ear drops, performing the Valsalva maneuver, and even adding more water.
Although swimming is often the cause, you can get water trapped in your ear canal from any exposure to water. If this happens, you may feel a tickling sensation in your ear. This feeling may extend to your jawbone or throat. You may also not be able to hear as well or only hear muffled sounds.
Usually, the water drains out on its own. If it doesn’t, the trapped water may lead to an ear infection. This type of ear infection in the external auditory canal of your outer ear is called swimmer’s ear.
It’s not hard to get water out of your ear on your own. These 12 tips can help.
If water gets trapped in your ear, you can try several at-home remedies for relief:
1. Jiggle your earlobe
This first method may shake the water out of your ear right away.
Gently tug or jiggle your earlobe while tilting your head in a downward motion toward your shoulder.
You can also try shaking your head from side to side while in this position.
2. Make gravity do the work
With this technique, gravity should help the water drain from your ear.
Lie on your side for a few minutes, with your head on a towel to absorb the water. The water may slowly drain out of your ear.
3. Create a vacuum
This method will create a vacuum that may draw the water out.
- Tilt your head sideways, and rest your ear onto your cupped palm, creating a tight seal.
- Gently push your hand back and forth toward your ear in a rapid motion, flattening it as you push and cupping it as you pull away.
- Tilt your head down to allow the water to drain.
4. Use a blow dryer
The heat from a blow dryer can help evaporate the water inside your ear canal.
- Turn on your blow dryer to its lowest setting.
- Hold the hair dryer about a foot away from your ear and move it in a back-and-forth motion.
- While tugging down on your earlobe, let the warm air blow into your ear.
5. Try alcohol and vinegar eardrops
Alcohol can help evaporate the water in your ear. It also works to eliminate the growth of bacteria, which can help prevent infection. If the trapped water occurs due to earwax buildup, the vinegar may help remove it.
- Combine equal parts alcohol and vinegar to make eardrops.
- Using a sterile dropper, apply three or four drops of this mixture into your ear.
- Gently rub the outside of your ear.
- Wait 30 seconds, and tilt your head sideways to let the solution drain out.
Don’t use this method if you have any of these conditions:
- a middle ear infection
- a perforated eardrum
- tympanostomy tubes (eardrum tubes)
6. Use hydrogen peroxide eardrops
Hydrogen peroxide solutions can help clear debris and earwax, which may be trapping water in your ear. You can find eardrops online that use a combination of urea and hydrogen peroxide, called carbamide peroxide, to unclog earwax in the ears.
Don’t use this method if you have any of these conditions:
- signs of injury or infection such as pain, swelling, warmth, drainage, bleeding from ear
- a middle ear infection
- a perforated eardrum
- tympanostomy tubes (eardrum tubes)
7. Try olive oil
Olive oil can also help prevent infection in your ear, as well as repel water out.
- Warm some olive oil in a small bowl. Place a few drops on your inner wrist to test the temperature.
- Using a clean dropper, place a few drops of the oil into the affected ear.
- Lie on your other side for about 10 minutes, and then sit up and tilt the ear downward. The water and oil should drain out.
8. Try more water
This technique may sound illogical, but it can actually help draw water out of your ear.
- Lying on your side, fill the affected ear with water using a clean dropper.
- Wait 5 seconds and then turn over, with the affected ear facing down. All of the water should drain out.
9. Take over-the-counter medication
A number of over-the-counter (OTC) eardrops are also available. Most are alcohol-based and can help reduce moisture in your outer ear canal, as well as kill bacteria or remove earwax and debris.
