Anyone who has taken a dip in a swimming pool, sea or even in a bath knows how uncomfortable it can be when water gets trapped in your ears. That annoying sensation of blockage, partial hearing loss and the never-ending urge to unclog your ear – these are all too familiar feelings for most of us. In this blog post, we’ll explain why water stays in your ear after swimming, give you some handy tips on how to remove it and advise on how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Why does water stay in your ear after swimming ?
The anatomy of the ear
The answer lies primarily in our anatomy. The human ear canal is curved, not straight. This curve makes it easy for water to get trapped and difficult for it to naturally drain out. As if that wasn’t enough, the presence of earwax can also contribute towards creating a plug which catches and holds onto the water.
The risk factors
Children and adults who spend a lot of time in the water are more prone to experiencing blocked ears due to trapped water. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause infections like swimmer’s ear, making it imperative that you remove any trapped water as soon as possible.
Moving forward, let’s explore some effective techniques on how to remove this stubborn trapped water from your ears.
Effective techniques to dislodge water from your ears
Tilt and Shake
- Tilt your head towards the affected side and gently jiggle or shake it. Gravity should help dislodge the stuck water.
- If tilting alone doesn’t work, try jumping up and down while tilting your head to the side.
Use a saline solution
A homemade saline solution can also help in unclogging your ears. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, soak a cotton ball in it, squeeze out some drops into your ear and tilt your head thereafter to let the mixture drain out.
Now that we’ve discussed some ways to dislodge trapped water, let’s look at preventive measures to avoid this discomfort altogether.
Preventive measures for clogged ears
Dry your ears properly
Keep a towel handy and make sure you dry off thoroughly post-swim. Tilt your head from side-to-side to allow any trapped water to escape.
Use protective gear
Purchasing specially designed swimming earplugs or caps, which help keep the water out, can be an effective measure too.
In line with prevention, here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to dealing with blocked ears from swimming.
Practical tips: what to do and not do with your ears
The Do’s :
- Take time-outs during swimming sessions for drying off your ears.
- If you’re prone to frequent blockages, consider wearing protective gear like earplugs or swim caps.
- If you suspect that there is still water lodged in your ear post-swim, seek professional help instead of waiting it out.
The Don’ts :
- Avoid using cotton swabs for cleaning inside of the ear as they can push the wax further in.
- Don’t ignore persistent pain or reduced hearing as it could be a sign of infection.
Following these guidelines should help maintain good ear health. However, sometimes home remedies and preventive measures may not suffice, especially if trapped water leads to an infection.
Home remedies for water-filled ears
Use of over-the-counter products
You can use over-the-counter ear drops which are designed to dry up moisture within the ear canal. They often contain alcohol that aids in the evaporation of water.
Create a vacuum
Creating a vacuum in your mouth by sucking in air might create enough pressure to pop your ears and dislodge trapped water.
If these remedies still do not provide relief, it is time for you to seek professional help.
When is it crucial to see an ENT specialist ?
Persistent symptoms
If you’ve tried all possible techniques and home remedies but your ear still feels water-clogged, or if you experience continued discomfort or pain, consult an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist immediately.
Avoiding complications
Leaving such issues unattended could exacerbate the problem leading to serious infections and even temporary hearing loss. So it’s better to be safe than sorry !
Frequently encountering difficulties with water-clogged ears during swimming ? Let’s dive into some products and tips on protecting your ears while swimming.
Protecting your ears while swimming: products and tips
The use of earplugs and swim caps
| Product | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Earplugs | They prevent water from entering the ear canal and are usually made of silicone, plastic, or rubber. |
| Swim caps | A good swim cap can cover your ears thereby reducing the amount of water that can enter. |
The use of drying aids
The market offers a multitude of drying aids such as ear drops that work by evaporating trapped water. Using these post-swim can be beneficial.
We’ve covered considerable ground on dealing with and preventing blocked ears from swimming. Let’s wrap this up !
Taking note of why water gets trapped in our ears after swimming, understanding effective techniques to dislodge it, and using preventive measures and products to avoid this situation altogether will greatly enhance your swimming experience. But remember, if discomfort persists or you suspect an infection, consult an ENT specialist without delay. Happy swimming !
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