Quick Remedies for Water in Ears
At 19 years old and weighing 150 pounds, I've encountered an all-too-familiar issue after a recent swim at a friend's pool. Throughout my childhood, I've frequently dealt with water getting trapped in my ears, and this occasion is no exception. Despite my attempts to remedy the situation—whether it's shaking my head vigorously, utilizing isopropyl alcohol, or employing the palm of my hand to create a suction effect—none of these methods have proven effective. As a result, I'm struggling to hear clearly in my right ear, which sounds incredibly muffled. It's so bad that if I want to muffle external sounds, I only need to block one ear, as the other one is completely obstructed. Honestly, I suspect that the palm vacuum method may have caused some irritation at the entrance of my ear canal, as I'm experiencing some pain. Feeling quite anxious about this situation, I've decided to visit a doctor soon. However, I'm hoping for some immediate advice or techniques to alleviate the problem more quickly.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 3:40:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing discomfort from trapped water in your ear, which can lead to muffled hearing and even irritation. While it's great that you've planned to see a doctor, there are a few steps you can take right now to relieve the situation.
Main Points:
- Immediate relief techniques.
- Avoiding further irritation.
- Listening for worsening symptoms.
Explanation:
Water trapped in the ear can disrupt hearing and cause a sensation of fullness. This often happens after swimming and can linger if the water doesn't drain out naturally. Your use of the palm vacuum and other methods may also have caused some irritation, contributing to your pain. It’s understandable to feel anxious, especially if it’s affecting your hearing and comfort.
Next Steps to Take Right Now:
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Gravity Method: Tilt your head to the side of the affected ear and gently pull on your earlobe while moving your head to help the water drain out. You might also try lying on your side for a few minutes to let gravity assist.
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Jaw Movements: Open and close your mouth or chew gum — these movements can help open the Eustachian tubes and facilitate drainage.
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Warm Compress: Apply a warm, dry towel against your ear for about 20 minutes. The warmth can help ease irritation and encourage any trapped water to move.
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Stay Dry: Avoid inserting anything into your ear canal, including cotton swabs or your fingers, as this can worsen irritation or push water further in.
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Monitor Symptoms: If you notice that the pain worsens, you develop fever, or if you experience severe hearing loss, be sure to share these details during your doctor's visit. This information can help them understand your situation better.
Taking these steps can provide some relief while you're waiting to see a doctor. Please try to stay calm — most cases can be resolved effectively, and you’re doing the right thing by seeking medical advice. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.
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