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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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
To prevent water from getting stuck in your ears, you can take several simple precautions:
These easy steps can help you avoid water accumulation in the ears and prevent related discomfort or infections.
To prevent water from entering the ears while swimming, consider the following strategies: