While you swim, water can enter the ear canal. Due to the canal's unique shape, all of this water may not come out of the ear without intervention. If left untreated, the water in the ear can irritate the ear canal or possibly cause an ear infection, according to Health 911. Other symptoms that water remains in your ears include difficulty hearing, pain or itching. However, you can prevent this from occurring by removing the water by using a number of household products to dry up the water that is found in the ear canal.
Step 1
Dry your ears out after swimming. You can do this using a towel and tilting your head to the side to allow water to drain out. Blowing a hair dryer on a low setting into the ear may help to dry the ear as well, according to Health 911. Test the hair dryer on your skin before blowing it into the ear to ensure the heat will not be excessive on the ear.
Step 2
Mix a solution of one part rubbing alcohol with one part white vinegar. This is the solution that will be put into the ear to dry up any remaining water in the ear canal, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Step 3
Use an eardropper to take in the alcohol/white vinegar mixture. Lean the head as far as you can to one side, then drop three to five drops of this solution into the ear, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Allow this solution to work its way through the ear for several minutes. You may hear a hollow sound in your ear as the solution dries up the water.
Step 4
Raise your head to a normal position, and towel off any water that may come out of the ear. Repeat this process on the other ear.
Step 5
Rub some petroleum jelly onto a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball in your ear. This will help to keep your ear free of water, should any remain, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies."
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent swimmer's ear before it starts by wearing earplugs that fit into the ear canal while swimming, according to the "Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Wax or silicone plugs can be purchased at a drugstore or discount superstore.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Hair dryer
- Rubbing alcohol
- White vinegar
- Eyedropper
- Cotton balls
- Petroleum jelly
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