James Setton 
Dive into the art of evicting water from your ear canal, a common conundrum after a refreshing swim. Water in your ears is no party, whether you’re an avid swimmer or occasional water enthusiast. This guide unveils effective strategies, shared by experts, to ensure your ears remain water-free and infection-resistant.
Understanding the anatomy of your ear canal is crucial. Dr. Christopher Thompson emphasizes that water lingering in your ear canal can pave the way for bacterial or fungal infections. The moist environment created, especially behind ear wax, becomes a breeding ground for unwelcome guests. The result? That irritating feeling of water trapped in your ear.
The quickest escape route for trapped water? A head tilt. Dr. Daniel Jethanamest recommends creating a vacuum by tilting your head sideways, forming a seal with your cupped palm. Gently move your hand back and forth, coaxing the water out. Alternatively, lying on your side for a few minutes with your head on a towel can do the trick.
Another DIY remedy involves giving your earlobe a gentle tug towards the back or downward while shaking your head from side to side. This movement can straighten the ear canal cartilage, encouraging the water to roll out, as explained by Dr. Jethanamest.
When gravity and movement fail, Dr. Thompson suggests a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. This concoction dries up the ear and creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria. Apply a few drops, gently rub the ear’s exterior, then tilt your head to drain the mixture.
A hair dryer on a low/cool setting, a few inches away from your ear, can aid in air-drying. Gently tugging down on your earlobe while moving the dryer back and forth enhances the drying process.
Combatting both trapped water and wax buildup, Dr. Jethanamest recommends using a dropper to introduce a hydrogen peroxide solution into the ear canal. This may dissolve wax and aid in water removal. However, avoid this method if you have specific ear conditions.
As tempting as it might be, resist the urge to use cotton swabs for a deep ear exploration. Dr. Jethanamest warns against this, highlighting potential harm like adding bacteria, pushing water deeper, injuring the ear canal, or even puncturing the eardrum.
Persistent water or a fluid sensation lingering for more than a couple of days warrants professional attention. Dr. Thompson alerts that untreated fluid can lead to ear effusion or, in some cases, middle ear infections. Signs such as fullness, hearing loss, or strange sounds in your ear demand a visit to your healthcare provider.
To summarize, freeing your ear from trapped water is a common challenge with simple DIY solutions. However, if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. After all, no one wants to feel like a human aquarium for too long!
Guest article.
The above may not coincide with the methodology and opinion of the SwimRight Academy Team.
James Setton 
Sergii Kononenko