Water in The Ear: Which Really Helps Now!

Water in the ear is primarily annoying – but can also be dangerous. With our tips, you will quickly get rid of this annoying phenomenon!

What causes water in the ear?

By jumping into the pool or once submerged in the bathtub, water can land in the ear. The water runs through the ear canal and reaches the eardrum, where it sloshes back and forth with every movement. We perceive this as a slight hissing or gurgling sound – and can only hear to a limited extent. This may be unpleasant at first, but it can also become a serious health problem if the water contains germs. These can trigger a so-called bath ear infection – an inflammation in the ear that can be very painful. If earache occurs in addition to the water in the ear, the ENT doctor should be consulted without delay.

Symptoms of an ear infection

Besides pain, the following symptoms also indicate an inflammation in the affected ear:

• Limited hearing ability
• Fever
• Lassitude
• Ear pressure
• Itching

Children and babies also suffer from balance problems, sleep disorders and loss of appetite.

Advice and tips: What helps against water in the ear?

To get the fluid out of the ear canal, the following tips may help:

• Move: By shaking your head and jumping on the spot, you often get rid of the water in your ears.
• Blow dry: Pull the ear back and up slightly. Set the hairdryer to the lowest setting and hold it at a distance of about 30 centimetres in front of the ear – after a few minutes the water in the ear should have evaporated.
• Plucking: Tilt the head to the side – the ear where the water is, points downwards. Now pluck your earlobe slightly. This makes the fluid in your ear move and can drain more easily.
• Compress: A warm compress on the ear can also help drain water. To do this, dip a washcloth in warm water, wring it out well and place it on the ear for about 30 seconds. Pause for a minute, then repeat the process – four or five times in total.
• Ear drops: Special ear drops from the pharmacy or drugstore can also help.

What if a dull feeling remains in the ear?

Even when the water is long gone, sometimes a dull feeling remains in the ear for days. This happens when the ear canal is blocked with a lot of earwax – the water makes it swell and can press against the eardrum. You should only have this removed by an ENT doctor – he or she will rinse the ear, soften the earwax further and can then suck it out.

Preventing water in the ear

If you want to do something for the health of your ears, you should avoid getting water in your ears from the outset. When swimming, earplugs that completely block the ear help.