The sensation of having water in the ears is common to everyone, after a shower and, especially in the summer, after a swim in the pool or the sea. This can lead to a muffled ear sensation, which often lasts a short time without consequences. However, when the water does not come out of the ears correctly, it can remain there for days and cause problems such as ear inflammation.
Water in the ear can result from a variety of activities and environmental factors:
Usually, water accumulates in the ear during a shower, bath or through swimming. The water flows into your ear duct and can sometimes generate the characteristic muffled sound.
This is because water floods the ear canal and settles in the ear.It works its way through the slightly sloping ear canal to the eardrum. Due to trapped water, the eardrum cannot move properly and no longer transmits sound completely. That's why you only hear muffled noises accompanied by a low gurgle.
One of the simplest and safest ways to remove trapped water from your ear is the tilting method. It uses gravity to help the water drain naturally.
How to perform the tilting method:
This technique is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any tools or medication. If the water remains trapped after several attempts, other methods or professional advice might be needed.
One of the easiest ways to help trapped water escape from your ear is to tug your earlobe. This method works by straightening the ear canal, making it easier for water to drain.
How to use the tugging method:
This technique is safe, simple, and can be used anytime you feel water trapped in your ear. If the sensation persists, consider other methods or consult a healthcare professional.
Water trapped in the ear can be uncomfortable and may lead to infections if not treated promptly. Ear drops designed for water in ear are a popular and effective way to relieve this issue.
Ear drops work by:
A common home remedy to help dry water trapped in your ear is using a hairdryer. However, it must be done carefully to avoid damaging your ear or causing burns.
How to safely use a hairdryer:
Important:
If the suggested methods do not resolve the water in your ear, it is important to promptly schedule an appointment with your ENT specialist. They can safely drain the water and dry the ear canal. Prolonged exposure of the ears to water can lead to fluid reaching deep into the ear, potentially causing complications and illnesses.
It's crucial for the ear to dry promptly. If water has been trapped in the ear for days, it may have caused swelling of the earwax, affecting hearing. This should also be addressed by an ENT specialist to restore unrestricted hearing. Water in the ear not only causes discomfort and pain but can also pose risks if left unresolved for an extended period. If there are signs of ear inflammation, it is highly advisable to consult your GP or otolaryngologist promptly.
While water trapped in the ear isn’t usually serious, leaving it untreated can sometimes lead to complications. Prolonged moisture creates a warm, damp environment that can encourage bacterial or fungal growth, potentially causing an infection known as swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).
Possible risks include:
- Ear infection, causing pain, redness, and swelling
- Temporary hearing difficulties due to blockage
- Itching and discomfort
If you notice symptoms such as persistent pain, discharge, or hearing loss, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly to avoid further complications.
If you still have water in your ear or have had it recently and are currently suffering from ear pain, this is an alarm signal for an ear canal infection or exostosis and an appointment with an ENT doctor is urgent. Pain and itching in the ear can indicate an infection in the ear caused by germs in the water.
If necessary, the ENT doctor can prescribe an antibiotic and drain the remaining water from the ear. Failure to treat these warning signals when they occur can, in the worst case, lead to hearing loss.
Getting water in a baby’s ears during bath time or swimming is common and usually not harmful. Babies’ ears are delicate, so extra care is needed to keep them dry and clean.
Things to keep in mind:
If your baby shows signs of ear pain, redness, or fussiness after water exposure, consult a healthcare professional to rule out infection.
If you are fond of swimming or diving, swimming earplugs can prevent water from entering your ear and its possible complications. The silicone earplugs, are the most suitable: they protect the ear from water penetration. There are waterproof earplugs for adults on one side and special earplugs for children on the other to protect the ears from water penetration. High-quality earplugs seal the ear canals watertight, hold their shape and let sounds pass while preventing water from entering.
To avoid any inflammation, ear drops with glycerin and alcohol, which protect the pH value of the ear, are particularly suitable. They are great for divers, sailors or lovers of water sports. Overly intensive cleaning of the ears is to be avoided in order not to damage the natural protective film inside the ear. For adequate ear hygiene a little hot water is more than enough. Cotton swabs are not recommended at this juncture: their use, in fact, can push a wax plug already present even deeper into the duct, blocking the water more and making it difficult to extract.
For hearing aid wearers, moisture and water present special challenges as they can affect performance. Waterproof hearing aids with special coatings or seals are designed to prevent moisture ingress. These are particularly suitable for active people who wear their hearing aids while exercising or outdoors. However, it is important to note that these hearing aids are not completely waterproof and are not suitable for swimming or showering.
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