Water can enter your ear after showering, swimming or any time your ears have been submerged. Once it enters, the water can become trapped in the ear canal, resulting in growth of bacteria or fungi. These growths can lead to a severe infection if the water is not removed. Your hearing will at first become hollow or tinny, but as the infection progresses your ear will swell, show pus and be in extreme pain. Removing the water as soon as possible is essential to avoiding these symptoms.
Hair Dryer
When you first realize you may have water in your ear, try to dry it out using a hair dryer. Put the dryer on a low, warm setting. Do not use the hot setting. Blow the air into your ear for five to 10 minutes, moving side to side. Do not allow the air to blow directly into your ear for an extended period of time. This may only worsen your infection.
Alcohol and Vinegar
Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol with white vinegar. Fill a small dropper with the mixture and apply two drops of the solution to your ear. Make sure your head is tilted to allow the drops to penetrate your ear canal for approximately three to five minutes. After the time is up, put a clean towel to the ear and tilt it in the opposite direction, allowing any excess fluid to drain out. You may substitute water for the alcohol in this mixture, but alcohol will both remove fluid and kill germs.
Garlic
Mince or grate a clove of garlic into a plate and cover with olive oil. Allow the mixture to sit overnight. The next morning, strain the garlic from the oil and apply three to four drops of the oil to your ear. Keep your head tilted for three to five minutes before turning and allowing the liquid to drain out. According to Grandma's Home Remedies, garlic has antibacterial properties capable of treating even the most severe ear infection.
Heat
If your ear does become infected, soothe the pain by placing a heating pad over the affected ear. This can also be done with a warm towel fresh out of the dryer, or with a warm bottle wrapped in cloth.
Oils
To prevent water from entering your ear, apply two to three drops of baby oil, mineral oil or lanolin to your ear before swimming.
