After bathing, swimming or showering, you may feel like you have water in your ear. This is an annoying sensation, and may prompt you to shake your head to the side to clear the water. Unfortunately, this often does not work. Leaving water in your ear can lead to otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, which is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. You can remove water from your ear at home by following a few simple steps.
Step 1
Wipe your outer ear with a towel and tilt your head to the side to encourage the water to run out of your ear. Pull down gently on your earlobe to help open up the canal.
Step 2
Use a blow dryer on your ear. Set the dryer on low, and after making sure it's not too hot, aim the stream into your ear. Hold the dryer about a foot away from your ear to avoid damaging the ear canal.This may be all that is needed to dry out your ear canal.
Step 3
Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a spoon. Drop several drops of this solution into your ear. The alcohol will help the water to evaporate, and the vinegar can kill any bacteria that may cause irritation or infection.
Step 4
Allow the solution to drain out of your ear. Wipe again with a towel to remove excess liquid.
Step 5
Contact your doctor if a feeling of fullness or water in the ear persists. You may have an infection starting, or the water may cause swimmer's ear to develop.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Hair dryer
- Vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
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