Experiencing ear fullness from trapped water after swimming or showering? Discover simple, effective methods to relieve discomfort, prevent future occurrences, and know when to seek medical advice.
Had that feeling of water stuck in your ear after swimming or showering? Yeah, it’s super common! But, um, do you know the *best* way to get that water outta there easily? And what causes that trapped feeling in the first place?
We’re gonna dig a little deeper into that topic. Here’s what we’ll be covering:
- Water Trapped in the Ear
- How to Treat Water Trapped in the Ear
- Prevention Tips From Getting Water Trapped in the Ear
- Is it Dangerous When Water Trapped in the Ear?
- When to See a Doctor?
Water Trapped in the Ear
So, water in the ear after swimming or showering happens, right? Most times, our ears are designed to handle it, self-cleaning and all. But sometimes, that water just doesn’t want to leave and can lead to ear issues.
When water gets trapped, it can feel kinda weird, like a muffled sensation. If that feeling sticks around, it can mess with your hearing, causing distortion. It can even get worse if you’re poking around in there with cotton swabs or anything else.
Let’s get into how to handle water stuck in the ear.
How to Treat Water Trapped in the Ear
Good news! There are several natural ways to try and get rid of that trapped water. Here are a few that we’ve found effective:
- Tilt your head to the side with the affected ear facing down and gently tug or shake the ear.
- Put your palm on the ear and gently create a vacuum by repeatedly pressing and releasing your palm. Keep the ear facing down to help release the water
- Lie down on your side that’s causing you discomfort due to the trapped water.
- Try using a hairdryer on a low setting to dry out the ear canal, keeping a safe distance, of course.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, especially if you have an infection, as this can push the infection further into the ear. Or scratch the inside of your ear!
Prevention Tips From Getting Water Trapped in the Ear
To prevent water from getting trapped in the first place, here are a few recommendations:
- Use earplugs when swimming or showering.
- Dry your ears thoroughly after water exposure, using a soft towel.
- Tilt your head from side to side to help drain water.
Is it Dangerous When Water Trapped in the Ear?
Usually, no big deal. But if you can’t get the water out and it’s hanging around, a mild infection can develop, especially since bacteria love hanging out in wet places.
Now, if an infection does develop due to trapped water, you might experience some different symptoms like ear itching, pain, or even discharge. The ear area might even become extra sensitive to touch. And yep, it can sometimes affect your hearing, making things sound muffled.
If symptoms do get worse or don’t go away, best to check with a healthcare provider just in case!
When to See a Doctor?
It’s a good idea to see a doctor if the problem lasts and doesn’t resolve within a few days, especially if you have:
- Severe and persistent pain in the ear.
- Swelling around the ear.
- Difficulty hearing.
Key takeaways
- Trapped water is common after swimming or showers, and usually resolves on its own.
- Prevention is key: earplugs can help!
- Persistent symptoms like pain or hearing loss warrant a doctor’s visit.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is it true that leaving water in my ear can cause serious infections?
While it’s not usually a big deal, prolonged moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially leading to an infection if left unchecked.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clear water from my ear?
Um, proceed with caution! While some folks use diluted hydrogen peroxide, it’s best to check with a doctor first, especially if you have ear tubes or a history of ear problems.
Is earwax a bad thing?
Nope! Earwax actually protects your ear canal. It’s only a problem if there’s too much and it blocks your ear.
Myth: All ear pain is caused by ear infections
Not always! Ear pain can result from various issues, like sinus infections or even jaw problems. Always best to get it checked out!
I swim a lot and constantly get water in my ears, which is annoying. Following the tilting head technique and using earplugs has helped me a lot! I feel more comfortable now when I’m in the water.
I’m prone to ear infections due to water getting trapped in my ears after showers. Drying my ears thoroughly with a towel and using a hairdryer on a low setting has significantly reduced the frequency of these infections.
I had persistent ear pain and muffled hearing after a day at the beach. I tried several home remedies, but nothing worked. Turns out I had a mild infection that needed antibiotics. Now I know when to see a doctor.
Alright, so next time you’re dealing with that annoying water-in-the-ear feeling, you’ve got some tricks up your sleeve. Stay dry and listen up!
