Do you ever experience the unpleasant feeling of stagnant water in your ears after swimming in the sea or pool? Wondering how to effectively remove this water and prevent potential problems? Let's look at tricks to unclog your ears.
Bathing it's fun in the sea or pool, but we can occasionally face the unpleasant phenomenon of water in the ears. How to unclog your ears after bathing?
This phenomenon not only causes discomfort, but in some cases can lead to more serious problems, such as irritation of the ear canal, inflammation or even an ear infection.
Why does water stay in the ears?
To understand why, it's important to know some basic facts about anatomy of the ear. The ear consists of three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The ear canal, part of the outer ear, ends at the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. While swimming or diving, water can get stuck in the ear canal and get trapped behind the eardrum.
Water itself cannot stay in the ear, but earwax, which is a natural substance in the ear, can mix with water and create a feeling of blockage or fullness in the ear canal.
When is professional help needed?
For the most part, retained water in the ears is removed by itself when the earwax solidifies again or the water evaporates.
If the water remains in the ears for more than 24 hours, it makes sense to seek the advice of a doctor or ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist). If signs of infection such as pain, itching, swelling or discharge from the ear appear, it is imperative to seek professional help. An ear infection can develop if moisture is retained in the ear. If the condition worsens or you notice hearing problems, contact your doctor.
There are several simple and effective ways to remove stagnant water from the ears
- Natural drainage
Tilt your head slightly to the side and gently pull the eardrum back and forth. This can help encourage the natural flow of water out of the ear. - Vacuum method
Tilt your head to the side and cover your ear with your palm. By pressing and releasing your palm, you can create a slight negative pressure that will help the water find its way out. - A warm compress
Soak a small towel in warm water, wring it out and place it on your ear. The heat will help soften the earwax, which can hold water. - Hair dryer
Set the hair dryer to low speed and heat and direct it towards the ear. Drying with warm air can accelerate the evaporation of water. - Ear drops
Special ear drops are available to help evaporate the water. These drops may contain alcohol or other ingredients that speed up evaporation.
If the water stays for longer than 24 hours or signs of infection appear, contact your doctor. A professional may perform ear irrigation or other procedures to remove stagnant water.
Precautionary advice
- Do not use foreign materials
Never insert fingers, chopsticks or cotton buds into the ear, as this can damage the ear canal or eardrum and cause more problems. - Hygiene care
After bathing, dry the ears thoroughly and avoid inserting objects into the ear to clean. - Use of swimming plugs
If you often face problems with water in your ears, consider using swimming plugs. These will prevent water from entering the ear canal. - Frequent rinsing
After bathing, you can tilt your head to the side and gently shake the water out of the ear.
Retained water in the ears after bathing is not an uncommon problem, but with the right methods and precautions, potential problems can be prevented. It is important to understand that water is mostly safe and will usually drain on its own. However, in case of complications or infections, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
With these tips, you can enjoy your summer water activities safely and worry-free.
