Water in your ear can make you feel as if you're hearing everything from the bottom of a well. Sounds are muffled and your ear feels uncomfortably full. Maybe you picked up the water while swimming, or when you tilted your head the wrong way in the shower. Water in your ear isn't just annoying: if the water is dirty, it could lead to an infection known as swimmer's ear.
Physical Manipulation
Water in your ear is trapped in the ear canal, which dips downward, making it difficult for the water to drain. You can help coax the water out by grasping your earlobe and pulling it down. At the same time, tilt your ear toward your shoulder. In many cases, you'll feel the water drain out. Dry the ear with a towel.
Never try to insert an object into the ear canal, such as a cotton swab, pencil or anything else. Doing so could drive ear wax further into the ear canal, blocking it and worsening the problem.
Alcohol
Alcohol drops will help the remaining water evaporate and also act as a disinfectant to help fight infection. Mix a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar, or half rubbing alcohol and half water, and place a few drops in the ear. It may take a half hour or so for this remedy to work. If you use water, use distilled water to avoid introducing any bacteria or minerals into the ear. Swimmer's ear is caused by pseudomonas bacteria, commonly found in soil and water.
Medications
Purchase ear drops designed to dry ears at a pharmacy. These drops usually contain alcohol. Follow the directions on the bottle. Consult a physician if you experience any itching, swelling, redness or pain in your ear, or if you still have problems after a couple of days.
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