Urgent Assistance Needed for Water Trapped in My Ear
I'm a 6'0", 195-pound guy and I have army basic training starting tomorrow morning. Last night, while swimming with friends, I performed a flip off a diving board and ended up with a lot of water stuck in my ear, accompanied by a brief ringing sensation. I spent the whole night lying on my side and sensed water trickling out at times, yet my ear remains blocked. Despite trying numerous methods to relieve the pressure, nothing seems to work. I really need some advice on this situation. Please help me out!
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 4:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation with water trapped in your ear, especially since you have army basic training starting soon. Here are the main points to consider: water trapped in the ear can cause discomfort and even lead to infections if not addressed. It's important to remove the water, especially before your training begins.
Explanation: Water can become trapped in the ear canal after swimming, and sometimes it can take time for it to drain out on its own. The ringing sensation you’re experiencing is likely due to pressure changes or irritation in the ear canal. It's good that you’ve been trying to lie on your side to let gravity help. However, since you’re still feeling blocked, let’s focus on a few strategies you haven’t mentioned yet.
Next Steps:
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Gravity Method: Lie on your side with the affected ear down and gently tug on your earlobe to help open the ear canal. You can also try hopping on one foot (on the side with the affected ear down) to see if more water comes out.
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Valsalva Maneuver: Close your mouth, pinch your nose shut, and gently blow as if you are trying to pop your ears. This might help equalize pressure and dislodge any trapped water.
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Heat Application: Use a warm compress against the affected ear for about 20 minutes. The warmth can help open the eustachian tube, potentially allowing the water to drain out.
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Over-the-Counter Options: If you have access to ear drops designed to remove water from the ears (like swimming ear drops), consider using those according to the instructions. They often contain isopropyl alcohol which helps to evaporate trapped water.
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Drying Williams (like a hair dryer): Set a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting and hold it at least a foot away from your ear while letting the warm air circulate in the ear canal for a short duration. This can help dry up any remaining moisture.
If Symptoms Persist: If water remains trapped and you start to develop pain, significant ringing, hearing loss, or if you notice discharge or signs of infection, it may be necessary to seek further medical attention to avoid complications like swimmer’s ear.
I hope these tips help clear your ear quickly as you prepare for your training! Let me know if you need more advice.
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