Have you just finished taking a shower? Or have you just had a little fun with your friends at the swimming pool? Sometimes, after that, do you feel like your ears are full, your ears feel heavy, and your hearing is a little impaired? We've all experienced this. Usually, this isn't a big problem, but if you don't get this water out, it can sometimes cause minor problems. Today, we'll talk about how to safely remove this water from your ears, what to do, and what not to do.
What really happens when water gets in your ear?
Water getting into your ears is not only possible when you are bathing or swimming, but it can also happen when you are sweating a lot when you wear earbuds. The main thing that can happen when water gets trapped in your ears is an ear infection. In medicine, we call this `Otitis Externa`. But its popular nickname is `Swimmer's Ear` .
Simply put, bacteria naturally live in our ear canals all the time. This is normal. But when water gets trapped inside the ear, that moist environment becomes a breeding ground for these bacteria. That's when an infection occurs and the ear starts to hurt and itch.
Therefore, it is essential to remove water from the ear as quickly as possible, but most importantly, in the safest way possible . If you use the wrong methods, you will increase the risk of infection instead of preventing it.
Things to "do" to remove water from the ear
Okay, so let's see what you can do to safely remove water from your ear. These methods are very simple and most of the time successful.
| What to do | How to do it? |
|---|---|
| Wiping the outside of the ear | Use a soft cloth or a clean tissue to gently wipe only the outside of the ear. Never put the tissue inside the ear. |
| Allowing gravity | Tilt your head slightly in the direction of the water. At the same time, slowly pull down on your earlobe. This will straighten the ear canal a little, making it easier for the water to drain out. |
| Using a Blow Dryer | Set your hair dryer to the lowest setting , hold it about a foot away from your ear, and let the air blow through. Never use a heat setting or hold it close to your ear. |
| Homemade Ear Drops | Make a solution of one part white vinegar and one part rubbing alcohol. Place about a teaspoon of this in your ear, tilt your head back, and let it drain out after a while. The alcohol helps evaporate the water, while the vinegar controls the growth of bacteria. |
Things you should "don't" do to remove water from your ear
Now let's look at some things that many people do unknowingly, but which can damage their ears and increase the risk of infection. Never do these things.
| What not to do | Why is it dangerous? |
|---|---|
| Using Cotton Swabs | This is the biggest mistake many people make. A cotton bud doesn't just remove water. It pushes dirt, earwax, and water further into the ear. It can also remove the natural protective layer of earwax, damaging the delicate skin of the ear. |
| Putting fingers or nails in the ear | Dirt and bacteria from your nails can get inside your ear. What's more, the skin inside your ear is very delicate. If your nails scratch that skin, it can easily lead to a serious infection. |
| Using Drops in Special Situations | If you or your child has ear tubes in their ears, or if you suspect a ruptured eardrum, do not use any ear drops or hydrogen peroxide without medical advice. Doing so may cause serious damage to the ear. |
How do you recognize the signs of an infection?
Imagine that even if you follow the safety measures mentioned above, after two or three days you notice a slight change in your ear. This could mean that an infection has started. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Unbearable itching inside the ear.
- Redness inside the ear.
- The pain increases when pulling on the outside of the ear or pressing on the small bump in front of the ear (tragus).
- Odorless, clear fluid draining from the ear.
If you have any of these symptoms, don't stay home any longer. See your doctor right away. The doctor will examine your ear and prescribe ear drops that will kill the bacteria or fungus that caused the infection. This will help relieve the pain, swelling, and discomfort quickly.
How do you prevent water from getting into your ears?
Isn't it better to prevent a problem before it arises than to find solutions after it arises? Here are some things you can do to help.
1. Protect yourself when swimming: If you are a frequent swimmer, use good quality earplugs and a swim cap. This will go a long way in preventing water from getting into your ears.
2. Be careful when bathing: If water gets into your ear while bathing, apply a little petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to a cotton ball and place it outside the ear. This will stop water from getting inside. You can also follow this method when using things like hair spray or hair dye.
3. Be careful with earwax: Earwax is a natural substance that protects our ears. But some people have too much earwax. When that happens, there is a greater chance that water will get trapped inside. If you think you have such a problem, never try to remove earwax yourself. See your doctor. He or she can safely remove it.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide Only on Medical Advice: If you have a problem with excessive earwax, your doctor may recommend using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to clean your ears. But don't do this without your doctor's approval. Only if he or she advises you, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water, use an ear dropper to put about half of it in your ear, let it bubble, and then tilt your head to one side to remove it.
Take-Home Message
- Water getting into the ear can cause bacterial infections such as 'Swimmer's Ear' (Otitis Externa).
- Use only safe methods, such as tilting the head and pulling the earlobe, to remove water.
- Do not put cotton swabs, fingers, or anything sharp into your ear for any reason.
- If you notice signs of an infection, such as ear itching, redness, or pain, see your doctor immediately.
- Take precautions, such as using earplugs when swimming, to prevent water from getting into your ears. If you need to remove earwax, do not do it yourself, but seek medical advice.
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