How to Get Water Out of Your Ear Without Liquid

Swimming can be a lot of fun, but you sometimes end up with plugged ears.

A commonly cited solution for removing water an ear after bathing or swimming is to apply, via dropper, a mixture of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol to the ear. This helps break up the water blockage and allows the water to flow out of your ear. There are, however, a number of other methods that help remove water that has become lodged in your ear.

Things You'll Need

• Blow dryer

Instructions

1. Tilt your head to the side repeatedly, in a gesture that would be similar to hitting something with your head. This may sometimes be the only step necessary to remove water blockage.

2. Pull your ear lobe down while leaning your head to the side. This changes the shape of your inner ear and may help to break the water blockage.

3. Aim a blow dryer on a low setting at your ear for several minutes. Try shaking your head again.

4. Lay down with the affected ear facing down. The water will eventually succumb to gravity and drain out of your ear.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a cotton swab or a similar device to try and remove the water, as this can damage your ear.

References

• University of New Hampshire; Swimmer’s Ear & External Ear Infection; April 2004
• Family Doctor; Swimmer's Ear; January 2010
• American Academy of Otolaryngology; Swimmer's Ear; December 2010
• Ygoy; How to Remove Water from Ear?; April 2011