To get water out of your ear, try these effective methods:
- Jiggle or pull your earlobe while tilting your head to the side to help shake the water loose.
- Use gravity by lying on your side with the affected ear down, letting the water drain naturally onto a towel.
- Create a vacuum by cupping your palm tightly over your ear and gently pushing and pulling to create suction, which can draw the water out.
- Use a blow dryer on low heat held about a foot away, blowing warm air into your ear to evaporate the water.
- Apply a warm compress to the outside of your ear to encourage drainage.
- If recommended and safe (no ear infection, perforation or tubes), use over-the-counter eardrops or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol to help dry out and disinfect the ear canal.
Avoid inserting cotton swabs or fingers into your ear canal, as this can cause injury or push water deeper inside. If water remains trapped and causes pain or infection signs, seek medical advice. These tips can relieve the discomfort and prevent swimmer’s ear, an infection caused by trapped water in the ear canal.
