How to Get Water Out of Your Ear: 13 Essential Tips

If you are trying to learn How to get water out of your ear, the safest methods are usually simple.

Turn the affected ear downward, gently move the outer ear, give gravity time to work, and dry only the outside. If water still seems trapped, a hair dryer on its lowest setting can help evaporate moisture from a safe distance.

The main mistake is trying too hard.

Cotton swabs, fingernails, tissue, keys, forceful suction, and other objects can scratch the delicate ear canal or push earwax deeper. That can make the blocked feeling worse and increase the risk of infection.

Why Does Water Get Stuck in Your Ear?

Water from swimming, bathing, showering, or heavy sweating can enter the outer ear canal.

The canal is not a straight pipe. Its shape, skin, and earwax can sometimes hold a small amount of water against the canal wall.

You may notice:

• A blocked feeling
• Sloshing or bubbling
• Tickling
• Muffled hearing
• Pressure or fullness
• Sounds that seem different in one ear

Most trapped water drains without treatment.

Problems begin when moisture stays in the canal for too long. A warm, damp ear canal can allow bacteria to multiply and may lead to otitis externa, commonly called swimmer's ear.

13 Essential Tips for Getting Water Out Safely

1. Point the Wet Ear Toward the Floor

Start with gravity.

Tilt your head so the affected ear faces downward.

Wait for a few moments rather than shaking your head hard.

A small change in head position may be enough for water to leave the canal.

2. Gently Pull the Earlobe

While the ear faces downward, gently pull the earlobe in a few directions.

This can slightly change the shape of the outer canal and help trapped water find a path out.

Do not pull hard.

If touching or pulling the outer ear is painful, stop. Pain when moving the ear can be a sign of swimmer's ear.

3. Lie on the Affected Side

Place a clean towel on a pillow and lie with the wet ear facing downward.

Stay there for several minutes.

This gives gravity more time to work without adding pressure or putting anything into the ear.

4. Move Your Jaw Gently

Try opening and closing your mouth or making a gentle chewing motion.

The jaw sits close to the ear canal, so movement can sometimes change the sensation around the ear.

This step may help the feeling of fullness, but it should not be confused with forcing pressure through the ear.

5. Dry Only the Outer Ear

Use a soft towel or clean cloth to dry the visible outer ear.

Do not push the towel, tissue, or cloth into the canal.

The goal is to remove water that has already reached the opening, not to chase moisture deeper inside.

6. Try a Hair Dryer on the Lowest Setting

CDC and Mayo Clinic guidance both include careful hair dryer use as an option.

Use:

• The lowest heat setting
• The lowest fan setting
• A safe distance from the ear

CDC advises holding the dryer several inches away, while Mayo Clinic advises about one foot away.

Move the dryer rather than pointing hot air at one spot.

Stop if the ear becomes hot or uncomfortable.

7. Give the Ear Time to Drain Naturally

Water often drains on its own.

If there is no pain, discharge, fever, or major hearing change, giving the ear some time can be safer than trying many home remedies one after another.

Repeated manipulation can irritate the canal.

8. Consider Ear Drying Drops Only When They Are Safe

Commercial ear drying drops can help some people who often get water trapped after swimming.

Ask a pharmacist, doctor, or ENT professional if they are appropriate for you.

Do not use drying drops if you have:

• A punctured or perforated eardrum
• Ear tubes
• Ear drainage
• Active swimmer's ear
• Recent ear surgery unless your surgeon approves them

If you do not know whether your tympanic membrane is intact, avoid experimenting with homemade ear solutions.

9. Keep Cotton Swabs Out

Cotton swabs are one of the most common ways people turn a mild blocked ear into an injured one.

They can:

• Push wax deeper
• Scratch the skin
• Trap water behind wax
• Carry bacteria inward
• Injure the eardrum

If you develop bleeding after putting anything into your ear, read our Ear Bleeding Guide and seek medical advice when needed.

10. Do Not Dig Out Earwax

Earwax is not dirt.

It helps protect the canal and limits bacterial growth.

Water can sometimes become trapped behind a large wax blockage, but digging the wax out yourself may pack it deeper.

If one ear repeatedly feels blocked after water exposure, ask a healthcare professional to check for wax buildup.

11. Avoid Forceful Pressure Tricks

The Valsalva maneuver is not a core treatment for water sitting in the outer ear canal.

The maneuver changes pressure through the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose.

Swimming water normally sits outside the eardrum.

Do not blow forcefully against a pinched nose to try to push external water out.

12. Keep the Ear Dry if It Starts to Hurt

If the ear becomes itchy, painful, swollen, or starts draining fluid, stop swimming and stop experimenting with home remedies.

These symptoms can signal an outer ear infection.

Water exposure can make an inflamed canal harder to heal.

13. Get the Ear Checked if the Blocked Feeling Persists

If the wet or blocked feeling remains for roughly two days despite safe drying, or if symptoms are getting worse, get medical advice.

You may not have trapped water at all.

Other possible causes include:

• Earwax blockage
• Swimmer's ear
• A perforated eardrum
• A middle ear problem
• Skin swelling inside the canal

What Should You Never Put Into a Wet Ear?

Keep objects out of the ear canal.

Avoid:

• Cotton swabs
• Fingers
• Tissue
• Paper clips
• Keys
• Tweezers
• Hairpins
• Ear candles

The canal has thin skin.

Even a small scratch creates an opening where bacteria can enter.

Mayo Clinic lists canal injury from fingers, cotton swabs, and other objects as a factor that can lead to swimmer's ear.

Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used in products intended to soften earwax.

That does not make it the best answer for ordinary trapped water.

Peroxide can irritate the ear canal and may be unsafe when the eardrum is not intact.

If you suspect wax is holding the water in place, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional which wax treatment is suitable for you.

Should You Put Alcohol and Vinegar in Your Ear?

Some medical sources describe mixtures of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar for selected people who repeatedly get swimmer's ear.

The alcohol helps dry moisture, while the acidic environment may make bacterial growth harder.

But there is an important safety problem.

Many people do not know whether they have a small eardrum perforation.

CDC specifically advises against ear drying drops when there are ear tubes, a punctured eardrum, swimmer's ear, or ear drainage.

For that reason, this article does not recommend making your own alcohol and vinegar drops unless a qualified healthcare professional has told you that this method is safe for your ears.

Can Water Go Behind the Eardrum?

During ordinary swimming or showering, water enters the outer ear canal.

The eardrum normally forms a barrier between the outer and middle ear.

Water should not pass into the middle ear when the eardrum is intact.

The situation is different if you have:

• A perforated eardrum
• Ear tubes
• Recent ear surgery

People in these groups should follow their ENT clinician's water precautions.

Why Does My Ear Still Feel Full After the Water Is Gone?

The sensation may not be water.

A blocked ear can come from:

• Earwax
• Swelling in the canal
• Swimmer's ear
• Middle ear pressure
• A cold
• Allergies
• Eustachian tube dysfunction

This matters because repeatedly trying to drain an ear that no longer contains water can cause irritation.

Water in Ear vs Ear Pressure

What Is Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal.

The medical term is otitis externa.

Water that stays in the canal creates a moist environment where bacteria can multiply.

CDC lists common signs such as:

• Pain when the outer ear is pulled
• Pain when pressing the small bump in front of the canal
• Itching
• Redness
• Swelling
• Fluid or pus from the ear

Mayo Clinic also notes that swelling and debris can cause temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing.

Water in Ear vs Swimmer's Ear

When Should You See a Doctor?

Get medical advice promptly if you develop:

• Ear pain
• Pus or unusual fluid
• Blood from the ear
• Fever
• Increasing swelling
• Strong redness
• Significant hearing change
• Severe dizziness
• Symptoms that are getting worse

Also get the ear checked if it still feels blocked after about two days despite safe drying methods.

Severe ear pain or fever deserves urgent assessment.

If there is bleeding, see our Ear Bleeding Guide for additional safety advice.

Who Should Be More Careful?

Seek medical advice sooner if ear pain or infection symptoms occur and you:

• Have diabetes
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are an older adult with severe ear pain
• Have had ear surgery
• Have ear tubes
• Have a known eardrum perforation

Mayo Clinic notes that people with diabetes, weakened immunity, or older age have a higher risk of rare deeper complications from severe outer ear infection.

What About Water in a Child's Ear?

The same gentle methods work for many children.

Let the wet ear face downward and gently move the outer ear.

Dry only the outside.

Do not put a cotton swab into a child's ear.

Children are more likely than adults to develop swimmer's ear.

Seek medical advice if a child has:

• Ear pain
• Fever
• Drainage
• Swelling
• Reduced hearing
• Persistent symptoms

Can Earwax Trap Water?

Yes.

A large buildup of earwax can partly block the canal and leave moisture trapped behind it.

This may make the ear feel full or cause muffled hearing after swimming.

Do not solve this by digging at the wax.

A healthcare professional can inspect the canal and decide whether wax needs to be removed.

Should You Remove All Earwax to Prevent Trapped Water?

No.

Earwax is part of the ear's natural defence system.

It helps repel water and makes the canal less welcoming to bacteria.

CDC specifically advises against trying to remove normal earwax simply to prevent swimmer's ear.

How to Prevent Water From Getting Stuck Again

Use Swim Earplugs or a Swim Cap

CDC recommends keeping ears as dry as possible during swimming.

Options include:

• Swimming earplugs
• Custom swim moulds
• A swim cap

Choose earplugs that fit without causing pain or scraping the ear canal.

Drain Your Ears After Swimming

After leaving the water:

1. Tilt your head so each ear faces down.
2. Gently pull the earlobe.
3. Let water drain.
4. Dry the outside with a soft towel.

Keep Earbuds Clean and Let the Canal Dry

Earbuds can trap heat and moisture.

If your ears are wet from swimming, showering, or heavy exercise, let them dry before wearing earbuds for long periods.

Clean earbuds according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Do Not Overclean Your Ears

The ear usually cleans itself.

Repeated deep cleaning removes protective wax and can scratch the canal.

Simple outer ear cleaning is usually enough.

Be Careful With Fresh Ear Piercings

Swimming can expose a healing piercing to bacteria.

If you have a new or sore piercing, read our Infected Ear Piercing Guide before returning to pools, lakes, or hot tubs.

Can You Swim if You Have Swimmer's Ear?

If you have an active outer ear infection, keep the ear dry while it heals.

Mayo Clinic advises avoiding swimming and scuba diving during treatment.

Ask your healthcare professional when it is safe to return to the water.

Can You Wear Earbuds With Swimmer's Ear?

It is better to avoid anything that seals, rubs, or irritates an infected canal until pain and drainage have cleared.

This can include:

• Earbuds
• Hearing aids
• Earplugs

Your healthcare professional can tell you when to start using them again.

Common Myths About Water in the Ear

Myth 1: Cotton Swabs Absorb the Water Safely

Fact: Cotton swabs can push material deeper and injure the canal.

Myth 2: You Need to Shake Your Head Hard

Fact: Gentle positioning and gravity are safer. Aggressive shaking is unnecessary.

Myth 3: Valsalva Pushes Swimming Water Out

Fact: Valsalva changes middle ear pressure. Swimming water is usually in the outer canal.

Myth 4: All Ear Drops Are Safe

Fact: Drying drops may be unsafe with ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, ear drainage, or an active infection.

Myth 5: Earwax Should Be Removed After Every Swim

Fact: Earwax helps protect the canal.

Myth 6: Water in Your Ear Always Means an Infection

Fact: Simple trapped water is common and usually drains. Infection becomes more likely when pain, itching, redness, swelling, or drainage develops.

Myth 7: If the Ear Feels Blocked, There Must Still Be Water Inside

Fact: Wax, swelling, infection, or pressure behind the eardrum can create the same sensation.

A Simple Safe Ear Drying Checklist

Conclusion

How to Get Water Out of Your Ear safely is mostly about helping the ear drain rather than forcing it.

Start with gravity. Point the ear downward, gently pull the earlobe, lie on that side, and dry only the outside. A hair dryer on its lowest setting can help with moisture that remains.

Avoid cotton swabs, deep cleaning, forceful suction, and random homemade drops. If the ear becomes painful, swollen, itchy, starts draining, or hearing gets worse, the problem may be swimmer's ear rather than simple trapped water.

Your next step is simple: try the gentle drainage methods first. If the ear still feels blocked after about two days, or if pain or drainage starts sooner, ask a healthcare professional to look inside.

References and Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
   Preventing Swimmer's Ear.
   Current CDC guidance on trapped water, swimmer's ear, drying techniques, earplugs, hair dryer use, earwax protection, cotton swabs, and when drying drops should not be used.
   
   https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/prevention/preventing-swimmers-ear.html
   
2. Mayo Clinic.
   Swimmer's Ear: Symptoms and Causes.
   Explains why water trapped in the outer ear can lead to infection, symptoms, risk factors, complications, earwax protection, drying methods, and safe prevention.
   
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351682
   
3. Mayo Clinic.
   Swimmer's Ear: Diagnosis and Treatment.
   Covers examination of the ear canal and eardrum, treatment with ear drops, professional cleaning, keeping the ear dry, and avoiding swimming and earbuds while an infection heals.
   
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351688
   
4. American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.
   Swimmer's Ear, Otitis Externa.
   ENT specialist guidance on trapped moisture, infection, earwax, cotton swabs, drying the ears, swim protection, and medical treatment.
   
   https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/swimmers-ear-otitis-externa/
   
5. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
   Otitis Externa.
   NHS specialist guidance explaining how water, shampoo, soap, cotton buds, skin conditions, humid weather, and trapped water behind earwax can contribute to outer ear inflammation and infection.
   
   https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/otitis-externa
   
6. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
   Swimmer's Ear.
   Public medical information on causes, symptoms, cotton swab injury, hearing changes, ear discharge, treatment, and prevention of outer ear infection.
   
   https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000622.htm
   
7. Cleveland Clinic.
   Water in Your Ear? How to Get It Out.
   Clinical guidance on the feeling of trapped water, muffled hearing, outer ear infection risk, gentle drainage, and safe removal strategies.
   
   https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-water-out-of-your-ear
   
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
   Preventing Swimming Related Illnesses.
   Public health guidance on swimming related infections and the importance of drying the ears after swimming.
   
   https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/prevention/index.html
   

Related NextFitLife Guides and Hubs

• Ear Bleeding: Causes, First Aid and When to Worry
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• NextFitLife Health Hub
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About the Author

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get water out of your ear quickly?

Tilt your head so the wet ear faces downward, gently pull the earlobe, and let gravity work. Lying on that side for a few minutes can also help.

Will water in the ear come out by itself?

Yes. Most trapped water drains naturally. You may only need gravity and time if there is no pain, discharge, fever, or major hearing change.

How long can water stay in your ear?

Water often drains within hours. If the blocked feeling remains for about two days despite safe drying, or symptoms worsen sooner, get the ear checked.

Why does my ear sound muffled after swimming?

Water can temporarily block sound in the outer ear canal. Wax or swelling can also cause muffled hearing. Persistent hearing loss should be assessed.

Can I use a hair dryer to get water out of my ear?

Yes. Use the lowest heat and fan setting and keep the dryer several inches to about a foot away. Stop if the ear becomes hot or uncomfortable.

Should I use a cotton swab to absorb the water?

No. Cotton swabs can push wax and water deeper, scratch the canal, and injure the eardrum.

Can water in your ear cause an infection?

Yes. Moisture that stays in the outer ear canal can allow bacteria to grow and lead to swimmer's ear.

How do I know if trapped water has become swimmer's ear?

Pain when pulling the outer ear, itching, redness, swelling, drainage, and increasing discomfort are common signs of swimmer's ear.

Can trapped water cause hearing loss?

Trapped water can cause temporary muffled hearing. Infection, wax blockage, or another ear condition can also affect hearing.

Can I use ear drying drops?

Some people can use commercial drying drops, but they should not be used with ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, ear drainage, or active swimmer's ear unless a healthcare professional says they are safe.

Can I use rubbing alcohol and vinegar?

Some medical sources use this mixture for selected people with intact eardrums, but it is not safe for everyone. Ask a healthcare professional before using homemade ear drops.

Can hydrogen peroxide remove trapped water?

Hydrogen peroxide is more commonly used in some wax products than as a direct water removal method. It may irritate the canal and can be unsafe when the eardrum is damaged.

Does the Valsalva maneuver remove water from the ear?

Not usually. Valsalva changes middle ear pressure through the Eustachian tube. Swimming water normally sits in the outer ear canal.

Can earwax trap water?

Yes. A wax blockage can hold moisture in the canal and cause fullness or muffled hearing. Do not dig the wax out yourself.

Should I remove earwax after swimming?

No. Normal earwax protects the canal and helps keep water and bacteria away from delicate skin.

Can children use the same water removal methods?

Gentle head tilting, earlobe movement, and drying the outer ear are suitable for many children. Do not place cotton swabs or objects into a child's ear.

When should I see a doctor for water in my ear?

Get medical advice for pain, discharge, blood, fever, swelling, worsening hearing, severe dizziness, or a blocked feeling that persists despite safe drying.

Is swimmer's ear contagious?

No. Swimmer's ear is an outer ear infection and does not spread from one person to another like a cold.

Can I swim with swimmer's ear?

It is usually best to keep the ear dry during treatment and avoid swimming until your healthcare professional says it is safe.

How can I stop water getting into my ears when swimming?

Use well fitting swim earplugs, custom swim moulds, or a swim cap, and dry your ears carefully after leaving the water.