If you do not get water out of your ears after swimming, it puts you at risk for developing swimmer's ear or otitis externa. Symptoms of swimmer's ear include inflammation, itchiness, pain and pus drainage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimmer's ear occurs when the germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa, often found in the water and dirt, gets into the ear canal. Speak to a doctor about treatment if you suspect you have swimmer's ear.
Step 1
Place a towel over the opening of your ears. Pat dry the outer ear area after you have exited the water. Use a clean and dry towel.
Step 2
Tilt your head to the side. Pull down on your earlobe and stay in place for several minutes to give the water a chance to run out of the ears. You may need to pull at the earlobe in several directions to get all of the water out. Repeat the process for each ear.
Step 3
Remove the rest of the water with a hair dryer if you feel any water left in the ear. Position the hair dryer several inches away from the canal and put it on the lowest setting, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. Leave the hair dryer on for several minutes and repeat for both ears.
Tips and Warnings
- Use equipment to prevent water from entering the ears when swimming. Some examples suggested by the American Academy of Family Physicians are bathing caps, wetsuit hoods and ear plugs. According to the CDC, over-the-counter ear drops are available to help remove water from the ears after swimming. The alcohol found in the drops help dry out any water that may remain in the ears.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Hair dryer
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