How do you get water out of your ear?
Ahhhh! I went swimming and I’ve got water stuck in my ear! It’s so annoying. What can I do to get the water out? I keep trying to tilt my head but it’s straight up not working.
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Expert Comments
Not only is it uncomfortable, getting water stuck in the ear may lead to an infection called otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear. Here are some different methods you can try to get water out of the ear safely and effectively:
Using Gravity:
- Tilt your head toward the affected ear and gently pull your earlobe in different directions to help open the canal.
- Try shaking your head to encourage drainage.
Vacuum or Palm Pump:
- Tilt your head sideways and press your palm firmly against your ear to create a seal.
- Push in gently and then quickly release to create a vacuum that may pull the water out.
- Alternatively, you can push on your tragus, the bump in front of your ear canal, then release a few times.
Hair Dryer (Low Setting)
- Hold a hair dryer approximately 12 inches away from the ear.
- Use the lowest heat and fan setting, and move it back and forth, while pulling your earlobe down and back.
Drying Drops
- You can buy or make your own DIY drops: Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. The alcohol acts as a drying agent, while the vinegar will prevent infection.
- Put a few drops in the ear, wait 30 seconds, and then tilt your head to let it drain.
*Do not use if you have a ruptured eardrum or ear tubes.
Avoid These:
Don’t stick Q-tips, fingers, or anything else deep into your ear.
Don’t use any liquids or tools if you suspect an ear infection, ear injury, or ruptured eardrum – if this is the case, see a medical provider!
If the water doesn’t come out after a day, or you feel pain, muffled hearing, or itchiness, it’s best to see a healthcare provider!
View hidden comment
Using Gravity:
- Tilt your head toward the affected ear and gently pull your earlobe in different directions to help open the canal.
- Try shaking your head to encourage drainage.
Vacuum or Palm Pump:
- Tilt your head sideways and press your palm firmly against your ear to create a seal.
- Push in gently and then quickly release to create a vacuum that may pull the water out.
- Alternatively, you can push on your tragus, the bump in front of your ear canal, then release a few times.
Hair Dryer (Low Setting)
- Hold a hair dryer approximately 12 inches away from the ear.
- Use the lowest heat and fan setting, and move it back and forth, while pulling your earlobe down and back.
Drying Drops
- You can buy or make your own DIY drops: Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. The alcohol acts as a drying agent, while the vinegar will prevent infection.
- Put a few drops in the ear, wait 30 seconds, and then tilt your head to let it drain.
*Do not use if you have a ruptured eardrum or ear tubes.
Avoid These:
Don’t stick Q-tips, fingers, or anything else deep into your ear.
Don’t use any liquids or tools if you suspect an ear infection, ear injury, or ruptured eardrum – if this is the case, see a medical provider!
If the water doesn’t come out after a day, or you feel pain, muffled hearing, or itchiness, it’s best to see a healthcare provider!
Reader Comments
I used to go swimming at my aunt's house all the time and she had this little remedy she would give me when I got water stuck in my ear. You just mix 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part hydrogen peroxide together and gently drop 1-2 drops in your ear. I think the hydrogen peroxide helps bubble out the water and the alcohol dries it up. Works like a charm!
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This trick also sounds silly but try tilting your head, hopping up and down on one foot, and tapping the side of your head until the water comes out
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Ugh, this is such an annoying thing when it happens. It used to happen to me all the time as a kid. My grandmother had the best hack for this. Try tilting your head at an angle and gently pulling on your earlobe. It sounds really dumb, but that does the trick most of the time. If pulling on your earlobe isn’t working, keep pulling but move your jaw like you’re yawning or chewing gum. The water should come out after a minute or so. If that still doesn’t work, you can use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to try and evaporate the water stuck in your ear. I’ve only had to do that once though, the earlobe thing usually gets the job done.
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