Six best ways to water out of your ear and why it gets stuck in there
All of us at some point or another have got water stuck in our ears - particularly after going swimming.
But how on earth does it even get there in the first place and why can't it just trickle out? Aside from being annoying and distracting, water or sweat in the ear can also lead to more serious problems including painful infections.
But Dr Christie DeMason, of the University of North Carolina, said setting foot in a pool isn't always the cause, telling Live Science: “Anytime you go swimming or if you put earbuds or even hearing aids in, fluid can get trapped in your ear.”
When you're swimming or taking a shower, such fluids usually sloosh in and out of the ear easily. But sometimes water can make it to your ear canal - and that's where it can get stuck. The tube that connects the outside of your ear to the eardrum is S-shaped, and water can get trapped behind the bends.
Water can also get stuck behind ear wax, too, which prevents the sticky stuff from functioning properly. Firstly, wax protects and moisturises the skin of the ear canal, preventing dry, itchy ears. Secondly, it acts as a shield between the outside world and the eardrum. Finally, its acidity helps fight off infections that could hurt the skin inside the ear canal.
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This acidity usually helps prevent bacteria - but the build up of water can turn your ears alkaline, making you more at risk of an infection, says Dr DeMason. She added : “Swimmer's ear is a fancy way of saying an infection of the outer ear canal.”
Known medically as otitis externa, the condition affects around one in ten people in their lifetime - and is five times more likely if you swim regularly. It causes swelling and redness in the ear canal, as well as itchiness, pain, discharge and even sometime temporary hearing loss.
According to the NHS, these symptoms can hang around for several months or even longer if treatment isn't sought. The lingering condition can take several weeks to improve - even with ear drops. In order to prevent it, experts say you should never put cotton buds - or anything else for that matter - in your ears.
Super six ways to get water out of your ear
Use a hairdryer
It's an easy thing to overlook, but the humble hairdryer can help you out of ear misery - but make sure you use a low heat. Dr DeMason said: “The easiest way is to put a hairdryer on a low setting and then kind of gently dry it out.”
Tweak that earlobe
Gently pull at your earlobe while tilting your head towards your shoulder to shake out the water from your ear. If this manoeuvre does nothing, try shaking your head side to side while in the position.
Try lying on your side
The force of gravity may keep all the planets in orbit around the sun, but it can also be your best friend when it comes to draining the water from your ear. Simply try lying on your side - with a towel around your head - to catch droplets for a few minutes.
Create a vacuum
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Nature abhors a vacuum, but not if it can help you have dry ears! You can try sucking water out by creating a vacuum with your hands. Simply tilt your head as before, and place your cupped palm against your ear to create a tight seal. Now just push your hand back and forth, flattening and cupping it, to create the vacuum.
Use eardrops
If you've been swimming and you just can't get rid of that trapped water, a doctor may prescribe you eardrops. Over-the-counter options can also soften earwax, helping that pesky water to escape.
More water
Yes, you read that correctly. Using more water can also be the solution. Simply add a few drops to your ear while lying down and count up to five seconds. All of it should then hopefully come out when you turn over.
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