What to do if water gets in your ear: effective methods for eliminating the problem

What to do if water gets in your ear: effective methods for eliminating the problem

Water getting into the ear is a fairly common situation that can happen while bathing, swimming or even showering. Usually it is not a serious problem, but if water remains in the ear, unpleasant sensations such as congestion or temporary hearing loss can occur. It is important to react correctly to such a situation to avoid complications such as infections or irritation.

1. How does the problem of water in the ear occur?

During water procedures, water can easily get into the ear, especially if you are not careful. Most often this happens while swimming, when water penetrates the external auditory canal, or during a shower, when water can get into the ear due to incorrect head position. Usually the water comes out of the ear on its own, but sometimes it remains there, which can lead to a feeling of discomfort and even the development of ear inflammation.

2. Assessment of the situation: is it dangerous?

First, you need to figure out if it’s a serious problem. In most cases, water in your ear isn’t dangerous. If you experience temporary congestion or mild hearing loss, it’s likely because the water is blocking the sound. But if the water stays in your ear for a long time or is accompanied by pain, redness, or discharge, it could be an indication of an infection or irritation, and you should see a doctor.

3. Methods to help get rid of water in your ear

If you have water in your ear and you don’t feel any pain or severe discomfort, there are a few simple methods you can try to get rid of it:

Head tilt method: Tilt your head toward the ear that’s filled with water and pull your earlobe down and back. This will create an angle at which the water can drain.

Using gravity: Lie on your side for a few minutes to let the water drain out on its own.

Head shaking: Gently shake your head to allow the water to drain naturally.

Dry ear method: Gently use a cotton swab or tissue to dry the ear. Do not insert it too far into the canal to avoid damaging the ear.

4. Using hearing aids to remove water

There are also special devices and tools, such as ear drops or ear drainage devices, that can help with water ingress. Ear drops can help to quickly remove water from the ear canal, but they should be used with caution and follow the instructions.

5. What not to do if water gets in the ear?

When trying to remove water from the ear, do not use objects such as cotton swabs, toothpicks or other sharp objects, as this can damage the ear canal or eardrum. Also, do not try to “knock out” the water with strong mechanical forces, as this can lead to injury or infection.

6. When to see a doctor?

If the water in your ear doesn’t clear up within a few hours, or if you experience pain, itching, or a fever, you should see an otolaryngologist. Infections, such as otitis media, can occur if moisture remains in the ear canal for a long time, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Your doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment to avoid complications.

In most cases, water in your ear is a temporary nuisance that can be resolved with a few simple steps. However, if the problem persists or additional symptoms develop, it is important not to delay treatment and consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.