Many people end up with water stuck in their ears after swimming. Here are some tips on how to safely get it out. Photo / 123rf
Many people end up with water stuck in their ears after swimming. Here are some tips on how to safely get it out. Photo / 123rf
THREE FACTS
Swimming can leave water trapped in the ear, leading to discomfort and potential infections.
Tips to remove water include tilting the head, lying on the side and using ear drops.
Swimmer’s ear symptoms include pain, itchiness and swelling; seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Swimming is one of the best parts of summer. But long after you’ve cooled down and dried off, you might be left with a niggling feeling – there is still water in your ear.
Your ear may feel full or blocked and sounds may be muffled. You mayeven hear some gurgling or rustling noises.
While water usually drains naturally, a few tips can help speed things up and prevent swimmer’s ear, a common infection after swimming.
You might think your ear canal is a straight tube, but it’s not. It bends twice and some people’s canals are naturally narrower than others.
The ear canal is lined with hair and wax for protection. It can also develop extra bone growth (exostoses) from years of cold-water swimming, sometimes known as “surfer’s ear”, which can make it even narrower.
When you swim, water can easily get past all these curves and barriers when you dip your head under water or get splashed. But getting it out afterwards can be tricky.
Wiggle and tilt
Trapped water can trigger swimmer's ear, an infection that affects about one in every 10 people. Photo / 123rf
Gently tug your earlobe up and down while tipping the blocked ear towards your shoulder. This straightens the ear canal and lets gravity help drain water out.
Lie on your side on a towel for a few minutes, then roll over to the other side. Gravity will help again. In summer, warmth from the sun and towel can also help water in the ear dry faster.
Cup and pump
Press your slightly cupped palm over your ear to form a seal, then gently push and release to create a vacuum effect. You can also press the tragus (the firm skin in front of your ear canal) over the opening of your ear canal several times to encourage movement and drainage.
If none of these tips have worked so far, you might need some ear drops designed to dry out your ears.
Typically, these contain alcohol, which helps water evaporate faster. You can get these over the counter from a pharmacy.
But be sure to read the instructions and don’t use them if you have any ear pain, discharge, an ear infection or a hole in your eardrum (or grommets, which are tiny tubes surgically inserted in the eardrum).
Some people make their own drops, using a solution of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in equal proportions. This makes the ear canal more acidic, which can help prevent bacteria and fungal growth.
Be cautious when you use your own drops (again, don’t use them if you think you have a hole in your eardrum) and only use a few drops in each ear.
Never put anything in your ears – even fingers or the tip of a towel can push water, wax and anything else trapped in your ear deeper and worsen the problem.
You might also scratch the delicate canal skin, increasing infection risk.
Cotton buds can push water and wax deeper into the ear and increase the risk of irritation or infection. Photo / 123rf
Many people find the feeling annoying. But warm, moist places are also ideal for bacteria and fungi, so water trapped in the ear canal can lead to swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).
Symptoms include pain when moving the outer ear (the bit you can see), itchiness, discharge, redness or swelling, and sometimes fever.
About one in 10 people experience it at some point in their lives, most often during summer, and kids aged 7-14 are at higher risk.
If you suspect you have swimmer’s ear, it is important to see a medical professional as you will likely need treatment (typically antibiotic drops and pain relief).
Swimming in dirty or unsanitised pools can expose you to harmful bacteria and chemicals that may cause infections, skin irritation and serious health problems. Photo / 123rf
Freshwater sources such as rivers and lakes pose greater risk than salty ocean water, while properly chlorinated pools are generally pretty safe.
If you don’t like the feeling after swimming – or you frequently get water trapped in your ears – invest in a swim cap or some ear plugs. Audiologists can help you find or customise earplugs to fit your ears.
Wearing a head cap while swimming helps keep water out of your ears, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. Photo / 123rf
Prioritise drying out ears once you are finished swimming and use some of the tips above. For kids, making it into a game can help.
If an ear feels painful, inflamed or looks swollen, there might be an ear infection and it’s best to seek advice and attention from your GP.
If you still feel like you have water in your ears after two to three days, it’s best to also get it checked out.
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