Water in the ear: what to do

Do you have a stuffy ear and don't know how to get water out of your ear without any risk? This article is for you.

It is common for everyone to experience the sensation of having water in their ears after a shower or a swim in the pool or the sea, especially during the summer. This can temporarily cause the sensation of a muffled ear, which usually disappears without a problem. However, if the water is not properly expelled from the ears, it may remain there for several days and cause problems such as an ear inflammation.

What are the symptoms of water in the ear?

When showering, bathing or diving, it is common for water to accumulate in the ear. Water from the pool, sea or shower can enter the ear and cause the typical muffled sound. One consequence of this is a sensation of noise reminiscent of rustling or gurgling in the ear, sometimes so annoying that it interferes with sleep. This occurs because water enters the ear canal and accumulates in the ear; it flows down the slightly inclined ear canal until it reaches the eardrum. Because of the trapped water, the eardrum cannot vibrate properly and no longer transmits sound fully. As a result, only attenuated, muffled noises accompanied by a dull sound are perceived.

Are there any risks associated with the presence of water in the ear?

If the muffling sensation persists for several days, it is likely that the earwax inside the ear canal has swollen due to water and occluded the ear. If the ear pain persists for more than two days while there is water in the ear, it could be a sign of an infection, caused by germs in the water, of the ear canal and an appointment with an ENT specialist will be necessary.

What are the methods for removing water or other liquids from the ear?

• Shake or incline your head: to remove water in the ear, you can try shaking or incline your head or gently absorb the water by inserting the tip of a tissue into the ear canal. It is important that the tissue is not too thick, otherwise it may irritate the ear walls. If water gets stuck in the ear, care must be taken because sudden movement or the use of inappropriate objects may cause intense and lasting pain in the ear.
• Use a hairdryer: to properly dry the ear canal and remove water from the ears, it is advisable to use a hairdryer. However, it is important to keep in mind certain precautions, such as maintaining an adequate distance between the hair dryer and the ear and adjusting the heat level to a minimum to avoid burns and other potential risks.
• Suction technique: the technique is based on the idea of creating a void. Then tilt your head to the side and place the palm of your hand in the shape of a cup on the affected ear. Press for a few seconds, extending your hand and then, with a quick movement, move it away, forming a cup again. Keep your head tilted to allow the water to flow out.
• Natural oil drops: a natural way to deal with the problem of water in the ear is to use an oil-based product with almond or olive oil, such as Otosan Natural Ear Drops. This method helps prevent irritation of the ear canal and eliminate accumulated water in the ear. Put a few drops directly into the ear and then lie on your side for a few minutes. Once the waiting time is over, tilt your head to one side and let the liquid drain out.
• If the feeling of a muffled ear persists for days, a build-up of earwax may have formed inside the ear. Cerumen sometimes swells due to water and can give rise to this persistent feeling of a plugged ear. You can try using gentle methods of cleaning the ear canal, such as Otosan Cone for the Ear Care or Otosan Spray for your Ear Care, both products that help soften and remove excess earwax build-up.

Although it does not usually cause worries, a persistent sensation of water in the ears should not be underestimated. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms of an ear infection, such as swelling, redness and pain. If the sensation persists, you should consult your general practitioner.