Swimming is great, but an ear infection isn’t any fun at all. In today’s post, let’s take a look at some of the dos and don’ts of how to get water out of your ears safely.
Safely Get Water Out of Your Ears
Swimmer’s Ear can be a serious pain for anyone looking to take a dip. Sure, swimming can be a very healthy form of exercise, but it also harbors risks. Usually, we tackle the bigger risks like drowning on this blog. That’s a big deal since drowning is the number one cause of death for children four years old and younger.
That said, we like to cover many topics related swimming and water safety. And let’s face it, swimmer’s ear and other ear infections are a common and very annoying problem. Today, let’s explore a few ways of avoiding this hazard. Having water trapped in your ear can lead to this issue. It can cause difficulty hearing and a tickling or painful sensation that extends from your ear, but can also reach your jaw and throat.
Now, under many circumstances, the water will simply drain on its own. However, sometimes it will not. If the water is unclean, it could lead to an ear infection. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the external ear canal. Keeping this in mind, let’s talk about how to safely get water out of your ears.
1: Dry Off… But Gently!
Okay, so it’s time to get out of the pool. When you want to get water out of your ears safely, you’ll need to be gentle. Dry your ears using a soft towel or cloth. Above all, don’t rely on cotton swabs or anything invasive. Swabs may pack earwax into your ear canal and cause further irritation. For similar reasons, don’t stick the towel or your finger into your ears. You could scratch your delicate inner skin. Instead, just pat yourself dry.
2: Pull Your Lobes
Next, it is time to let gravity do most of the heavy lifting. Tilt your head from side to side to let the water drain. To help get water out of your ears, gently tug on, or jiggle, your earlobes. “Gently” is still the magic word here. Don’t try to force it. The water will flow with just a bit of coaxing.
3: Try the Hair Dryer
If you’re still dealing with persistent water, consider using the hair dryer. Again, the key here is to keep the intensity to a minimum. Use the lowest setting and try to “blow out” the water. Be sure to hold the hair dryer at least a foot away from your head. The mild heat can help to dry out your sensitive ear canals.
4: Ear Drops Can Help
If all else fails, there are always ear drops. Buy over-the-counter drops from the pharmacy. Alternatively, you can make your own ear drops using a solution of one-part white vinegar and one-part rubbing alcohol. As with the other steps above, just be sure to keep it light and gentle. Either way, apply the drops to your ears, let it sit for a moment, then tilt your head. The ear drops and excess water should hopefully drain out.
See a Doctor if the Problem Persists.
Above all, talk to a doctor if you can’t get water out of your ears safely. If the problem persists for a few days, a medical professional will have the absolute best advice for your unique situation. It never hurts to ask for help.
