Water in the ear

Most people are familiar with the problem: when visiting an outdoor pool in summer, after swimming in the pool or taking a shower, you suddenly have a strange feeling in your ear. It tickles or feels blocked, and suddenly our hearing seems muffled. The reason is easy to find: water in the ear. 

This is usually completely harmless, as the water usually drains out of the ear by itself. But what if it doesn't? Is water in the ear dangerous? And what tricks can help it drain out of the ear canal? We'll tell you in this article.

What is water in the ear and how does it get there?

Water usually gets into the ear when bathing, diving, or swimming. The water enters the ear, then runs through the ear canal to the eardrum and gets stuck there, meaning it does not run out again. The initial consequence is hearing loss. If the water remains in the ear for a long time, it can also soften the earwax. Our earwax has the function of keeping dirt and bacteria out. This also applies to water. Earwax is even water-repellent and usually ensures that the water drains out again. However, if there is a lot of water, the cerumen, as it is technically known, softens or swells. It blocks the ear canal and, in the worst case, bacteria can accumulate, causing ear infection (otitis), ear canal infection (otitis externa), or middle ear infection (otitis media). An infection of the ear canal after swimming is therefore also referred to as swimmer's ear.

Symptoms and signs of water in the ear

The symptoms of water in the ear usually appear immediately after it enters the ear, often while bathing, showering, or swimming. Sometimes, however, they appear later.

Those affected often first notice a tickling or itching sensation in the ear, often accompanied by a feeling of pressure. Another typical sign of water in the ear is reduced hearing. Those affected then only hear "muffled" sounds, as the water blocks the eardrum and prevents it from vibrating properly. This means that sound is no longer transmitted optimally. In rare cases, complete hearing loss can occur. The symptoms can affect one or both ears. If the ear canal becomes inflamed due to water in the ear, pain or severe pain may also occur.

Possible consequences, dangers, and risks

If you notice that you have water in your ear but it does not drain on its own, you should seek medical advice. This is because if the water remains in the ear for too long, or if too much water has collected in the ear, this can lead to possible complications. These include, for example, middle ear infection or ear canal inflammation. These occur because pathogens, viruses, and bacteria can also accumulate in the ear along with the water. Water in swimming pools or lakes in particular can contain increased levels of these pathogens. The water in the ear prevents our earwax from transporting them out of the ear properly. 

Although ear infections are often easy to treat, they can also be very painful and, in the worst case, lead to permanent hearing loss. 

That's why it's best not to let it get that far and to take precautions from the outset to prevent water getting into your ears. This is especially true for people who spend a lot of time in the water: swimmers, divers, surfers, or other water sports enthusiasts, and children in general. Read on to find out more about prevention.

Prevention: Preventing water in the ear

Water in the ear is not always dangerous. In most cases, it will drain out on its own. Nevertheless, if you are particularly sensitive about your ears or prone to inflammation, you can try to prevent water from entering your ears—for example, by following these tips:

• Put on a swimming cap: Especially when swimming and diving, in the pool, in the sea, or in a lake, it is advisable to wear a swimming cap that also covers your ears. Even when showering, a swimming cap can help prevent water from entering your ears. In addition to swimming caps, there are also special swimming headbands. Usually made of soft neoprene, they are also water-repellent and particularly suitable for children.
  

• Use earplugs: If you prefer not to wear a swimming headband or swimming cap, you can also bathe or swim with earplugs. Important: Do not use just any earplugs, but special earplugs for swimmers. Thanks to their material and ergonomic shape, these offer special support, comfort, and optimal protection against water.
  

• Try to avoid getting water in your ears: Admittedly, this is not so easy, especially if you enjoy swimming and do so often. But the right swimming technique can help. When swimming, try to hold your head in such a way that your ears have as little contact with the water as possible.
  A little care can also be helpful when showering, bathing, or washing your hair. You should also make sure that no shampoo gets into your ears when washing your hair. Hair care and styling products such as hairspray and the like can also irritate the ear canal. 
  

• Dry your ears properly: A simple but effective tip: After swimming, bathing, or showering, dry yourself and your ears, preferably with a soft towel. This will also prevent water from entering your ears later, for example through wet hair. 
  
  
• Proper ear hygiene: Gentle cleaning of your ears is important to prevent injury. It can also help prevent water from entering the ear. Do not use cotton swabs. They can push earwax into the ear canal, where it accumulates and makes it more difficult for water to drain.

If, despite these precautions, water does get into your ear, we have a few tips and immediate measures below that may help in this case.

Tips for water in the ear: immediate measures, home remedies, and medical treatment

Whether swimming, bathing, showering, or participating in water sports, it can happen that water gets into your ear and does not drain out on its own.

If you notice that you have water in your ear, there are various tricks and immediate measures you can take to help the water drain out gently. We have summarized a few of them for you:

1. Tilt your head to the side toward your shoulder while pulling on your earlobe. Sometimes it can also help to jump up and down while doing this.
2. Lie down for a while, on the side of the affected ear. 
3. Yawn or chew. Jaw movements can help to clear blockages in the ear.
4. Place your flat hand over your ear, press gently, and then release. This creates negative pressure or suction, which can cause the water to drain out of your ear. Repeat this process a few times if necessary. 
5. Use a hair dryer to dry your ear. Important: The hair dryer must not be set too hot or too strong. It should also be held far enough away from the ear, at least 30 cm.

If none of these tricks help, you should consult an ENT doctor. They can use special methods to suck out the fluid and carefully remove the earwax, or prescribe medication or ear drops if necessary. 

As a general rule, if you have water in your ear and it does not drain out on its own, cannot be removed, or you experience pain or hearing loss due to water in your ear, you should always see a doctor. This will help you avoid possible further damage.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about water in the ear