How to get water out of your ears

How to get rid of water in the ear: a guide

If you enjoy bathing, diving, or jumping into water, you've likely experienced the sensation of water in your ear. Normally, the ear should clear on its own after a short time, allowing the water to drain out. But what should you do if it doesn’t? We’ve put together some tips for you. If you’re not dealing with ordinary water in the ear but are experiencing ear discharge, we recommend learning more about the condition known as otorrhea.

How does water get trapped in your ear?

Water can become trapped in the ear canal during everyday activities like swimming, bathing, or showering. The ear canal is slightly curved and narrow, which can cause water to collect and remain inside, especially if earwax or tight ear canal anatomy blocks its exit. When this happens, you may experience a muffled sensation, gurgling sounds, or even temporary hearing loss.

If the water doesn’t drain naturally, it can create a moist environment that increases the risk of outer ear infections, such as swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). Prompt and gentle removal is important to avoid irritation or complications.

Symptoms of water in the ear

Typically, you may hear a rushing or gurgling sound as the water moves through the ear canal. Once it reaches the eardrum, hearing on that side may feel muffled, as if you're listening through a cotton ball. Sounds become dull, and you might also experience a sensation of dizziness.

Rushing or gurgling sounds in the ear canal

These sounds are often the first sign that water is trapped. As you move your head, the water shifts inside the ear canal, creating a sloshing or bubbling noise. This is usually harmless at first, but if the water doesn’t drain, it can lead to irritation or infection.

Muffled hearing

When water blocks the ear canal, it prevents sound waves from reaching the eardrum effectively. This causes everything to sound quieter or “underwater.” If this persists for more than a day or two, it may indicate that the water is trapped behind earwax or swelling, which can increase the risk of infection.

Dull or distorted sounds

Sounds may not only be quieter but also lose their clarity. Voices might sound flat or echoey. This happens because the water alters how sound travels through the ear canal, distorting the vibrations that normally help you hear clearly.

A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear

This sensation is caused by the physical presence of water in the ear canal. It can feel like pressure or a plug in the ear. If this feeling lasts for days, it may be due to swelling or a buildup of wax trapping the water inside.

Possible dizziness or imbalance

The inner ear plays a crucial role in balance. If water affects the inner ear or causes pressure changes, it can disrupt your equilibrium. This may lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even vertigo. Persistent dizziness should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

A senior couple enjoying their time and smiling on their car

Exercising in the nature, enjoying a healthy lifestyle

Tips on how to get rid of water in ear

When water enters the ear, it often causes a blocked sensation, which usually resolves on its own after a short time. If it doesn’t, the simplest method is to tilt your head to the side and hop on one foot. While doing this, gently shake your head.

If that doesn’t work, there are several other tips and tricks you can try to help remove the water from your ear.

Tilt and Tug

Tilt your head sideways with the affected ear facing down. Gently tug on your earlobe in different directions, up, down, or back. This motion helps straighten the ear canal, allowing gravity to assist in draining the trapped water. The ear canal isn’t a straight tube, it has curves. Tugging helps align it so water can flow out more easily.

Gravity Drain (Side-Lying Method)

Lie down on your side with the affected ear facing the ground. Stay in this position for several minutes. You can place a towel under your head to absorb any water that drains out. This passive method uses gravity to encourage water to exit the ear naturally, especially if it’s pooled near the outer ear canal.

Vacuum Technique (Palm Suction)

Cup your palm tightly over the ear and press in gently to create a seal. Then quickly flatten and cup your palm repeatedly to create a light suction. Tilt your head to let the water drain. This creates a mild vacuum that can help pull water out of the ear canal, similar to how a plunger works.

Hair Dryer Method

Set a hair dryer to the lowest heat and speed. Hold it about 30 cm (1 foot) away from your ear. Gently pull on your earlobe while moving the dryer back and forth. The warm air helps evaporate the trapped water. Pulling the earlobe opens the canal slightly, allowing warm air to circulate inside. Never use high heat or hold the dryer too close, this can burn the delicate skin of the ear.

Yawning or Chewing

Chew gum or yawn repeatedly. These actions move the jaw and can help open the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. Opening the Eustachian tubes can relieve pressure and allow water trapped behind the eardrum to drain.

Valsalva Maneuver

Close your mouth, pinch your nose shut, and gently blow as if trying to blow your nose. You should feel a slight pop in your ears. This helps equalize pressure in the middle ear and can push out trapped water. Blow gently, too much pressure can damage the eardrum.

On a mountain bike: don't let hearing loss affect an active lifestyle

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is the partial or total inability to hear. It’s a common problem that can affect anyone. Also referred to as hearing impairment or deafness, hearing loss covers a wide range of categories and symptoms which can be caused by a variety of factors and circumstances.

Start your prevention routine Request a hearing test

Water stuck in ear for days: Possible risks

Prolonged water retention in the ear canal can lead to a number of health risks, some of which require medical attention. Here's what to watch out for:

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

When water stays in the ear canal, it creates a moist environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive. This can cause Swimmer’s Ear, an infection of the outer ear canal.

Symptoms include: itching, redness, swelling, pain when tugging on the earlobe, and sometimes discharge or a feeling of fullness. Left untreated, the infection can worsen and even spread.

Hearing Difficulties

Water in the ear can dampen the movement of the eardrum and affect sound conduction, leading to temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing. If the water causes inflammation or contributes to a buildup of earwax, the problem can persist or worsen over time.

Tympanic Membrane (Eardrum) Damage

Prolonged moisture and infection may weaken the skin of the ear canal and—if aggressive cleaning or poking occurs—can eventually lead to perforation of the eardrum. This may cause ear pain, fluid drainage, and potentially permanent hearing loss if untreated.

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Although more common in children, middle ear infections can also occur in adults when bacteria from the outer ear move deeper into the ear canal or through the Eustachian tube. These infections may cause ear pain, pressure, and even fever, and require prompt medical treatment.

How long can water stay in your ear?

Water that becomes trapped in the ear canal usually drains out naturally within a few hours. However, in some cases, it can remain for up to 1 to 2 days. If it stays longer, the prolonged moisture can begin to break down the ear’s natural defenses, such as the protective wax barrier, making the ear more vulnerable to infection 1. This is why it’s important to monitor how long the sensation of water in the ear persists and to take steps to dry the ear if the feeling doesn’t go away within a day.

Persistent feeling of water in ear for months

If you’ve had the feeling of water trapped in your ear for weeks or even months, it’s unlikely that actual water is still present. Instead, this persistent sensation may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Common causes include:

Earwax impaction: A buildup of earwax can trap moisture and create a blocked or “full” feeling, often mistaken for water.
Eustachian tube dysfunction: When the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose doesn’t open properly, it can cause pressure, muffled hearing, and a sensation similar to water in the ear.
Chronic otitis externa or middle ear infection: Long-term inflammation or infection can cause fluid buildup or swelling that mimics the feeling of trapped water.
Cholesteatoma: A rare but serious condition where abnormal skin growth in the middle ear can lead to a sensation of fullness, hearing loss, and drainage.

If this sensation persists for more than a few days, especially if accompanied by hearing changes, discomfort, or discharge, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They can examine the ear canal and eardrum, and recommend appropriate treatment—whether it’s earwax removal, medication, or further investigation.

How to prevent water from getting trapped in your ears

To prevent water from getting stuck in your ears, you can take several simple precautions:

Use Earplugs: Wear special waterproof earplugs while swimming or showering to keep water out of your ears.
Adjust Head Position: When diving or swimming, keep your head in a position that minimizes water entering the ears.
Keep Ears Dry: After swimming or showering, dry your ears thoroughly by gently shaking your head or using a towel.
Wear a Swim Cap: A snug-fitting swim cap can provide extra protection and help prevent water from entering the ears.
Clean Ears Regularly: Gentle ear cleaning can reduce the risk of blockages and water buildup.

These easy steps can help you avoid water accumulation in the ears and prevent related discomfort or infections.

Find your nearest hearing clinic today.

Use my location

FAQs about water in the ear

What causes a water-like sound in the ear?

A water-like sound in the ear is often due to trapped fluid in the ear canal, typically following swimming, bathing, or showering. This fluid can disrupt the normal transmission of sound by dampening the movement of the eardrum, resulting in muffled hearing, gurgling noises, or a sensation of fullness 1. In some cases, this may also be an early sign of otitis externa (commonly known as swimmer’s ear), an infection of the outer ear canal

Where does water get stuck in the ear?

Water typically becomes trapped in the external auditory canal, the passage that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum. The canal’s natural curvature and narrowness can prevent water from draining out easily. If the water remains, it can create a moist environment conducive to bacterial or fungal growth, potentially leading to inflammation or infection

How can one swim without getting water in the ear?

To prevent water from entering the ears while swimming, consider the following strategies:

Use waterproof earplugs specifically designed for swimmers.
Wear a swim cap that covers the ears snugly.
Avoid diving or swimming in contaminated water, which increases the risk of infection.
Dry ears thoroughly after swimming using a towel or by tilting the head to allow water to drain naturally.
Consult an audiologist about custom-fitted swim molds for optimal protection

Can water be trapped in your ear for months?

While rare, water can remain trapped in the ear for extended periods if it becomes encapsulated by earwax or if the ear canal is abnormally shaped. Prolonged moisture can lead to chronic otitis externa, which may persist for weeks or months if untreated. If symptoms such as muffled hearing, discomfort, or a persistent sensation of fullness continue beyond a few days, it is essential to seek medical evaluation to rule out infection or other underlying conditions.

Get support and advice

Request a hearing test

Schedule an apppointment

Request now

Test your hearing online

Get your results online

Take the test

Find your nearest hearing clinic

Visit the branch locator

Find a clinic