How do you get water out of your ears

Swimming Health and Safety Forum
1

I feel like I’ve tried everything, but nothing is working.

2

Does anyone else end up swinging their head around like a maniac to get water out?

3

Ming said:
Does anyone else end up swinging their head around like a maniac to get water out?

Exactly! I’ve been shaking my head all day. Now I just feel dizzy and it still hasn’t worked.

4

Ming said:
Does anyone else end up swinging their head around like a maniac to get water out?

My dog stares at me like I’ve lost it, but the relief when the water finally comes out is worth it.

5

You could try mixing rubbing alcohol with water and putting a few drops in your ear to dry it out.

6

I use a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Keep it a safe distance from your ear and move it around gently. It usually works for me and has stopped me from getting ear infections too.

7

Day said:
I use a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Keep it a safe distance from your ear and move it around gently. It usually works for me and has stopped me from getting ear infections too.

That’s a good idea. I’ll give it a shot.

8

@Noah
Let me know if it works!

9

Have you tried swimmers ear drops? They work well for me.

10

Tilt your head and pour some rubbing alcohol in your ear. It clears the water out for me every time. You just let it drain back out after a few seconds.

11

Tavis said:
Tilt your head and pour some rubbing alcohol in your ear. It clears the water out for me every time. You just let it drain back out after a few seconds.

I learned this from professional swimmers. They said it breaks the tension holding the water in. Works like a charm.

12

@Bin
Yeah, I’ve been doing this since the 90s. It’s the only thing that’s ever consistently worked for me.

13

@Bin
I tried it with 90% alcohol, and it worked instantly. A little sting, but not bad at all.

14

@Bin
What strength of alcohol do you use? I have 91% on hand, but I’m wondering if that’s too strong.

15

Sloane said:
@Bin
What strength of alcohol do you use? I have 91% on hand, but I’m wondering if that’s too strong.

I use 70% from the store. It works perfectly without burning.

16

Keller said:

Sloane said:
@Bin
What strength of alcohol do you use? I have 91% on hand, but I’m wondering if that’s too strong.

I use 70% from the store. It works perfectly without burning.

Tried 70%, and it worked great. No burning either!

17

Could it be earwax causing the issue? Adding a little oil might help loosen it. If it’s really bad, a doctor can clean it out for you.

18

Merlin said:
Could it be earwax causing the issue? Adding a little oil might help loosen it. If it’s really bad, a doctor can clean it out for you.

Yep, compacted earwax can trap water. Sometimes a professional cleaning is the best option. Ear plugs can also help prevent it in the future.

19

I tilt my head and jump a bit. If that doesn’t work, a hair dryer on low usually does the trick for me.

20

Xen said:
I tilt my head and jump a bit. If that doesn’t work, a hair dryer on low usually does the trick for me.

Thanks, I’ll try that!