Having water in your ear is uncomfortable, irritating, and in other cases, even dangerous to your ear health. After swimming, showering, or washing your hair, there is a feeling of water in your ear canal, which most people have experienced. The positive aspect is that it can be removed with safe and effective procedures to prevent any long-term troubles. 

We will discuss the reason why water becomes stuck, the dangers that arise, how to remove water safely, and how you can take care of your ears daily with the help of smart ear care products. The correct techniques not only make you aware of how to get water out of your ear but will also make sure that your ears remain healthy in the long run.

Why Water Gets Stuck in Your Ear

Your ear canal has a slight curve that helps shield the eardrum against dust, dirt, and injury. Although this curve offers protection, it also creates a natural barrier that can trap water. Rather than being transferred through the flow, the droplets may be trapped in the canal bends.

1. The Role of Surface Tension

Due to surface tension, water droplets will tend to stick to the skin within the ear. This stickiness makes it difficult for the water to naturally roll out. A small drop may produce a blocked or stifled feeling, which is unpleasant until the water drains away.

2. Earwax and Narrow Canals

Other individuals have narrow ear canals, which makes it even harder for water to drain. The problem may be aggravated by excess earwax, which creates small pockets and traps moisture. Children’s ear canals are smaller, thus exposing them to trapped water more than adults.

3. Common Situations That Cause Water Retention

Swimming, diving, and surfing are some of the most common causes of people experiencing water trapped in their ears. But it can also happen after something as simple as a shower or bath. Individuals who spend much time in water or fail to clean their ears fully after doing so are particularly susceptible to the problem.

When It Becomes a Problem

Trapped water is only a minor inconvenience in most cases. However, if it remains too long, it creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria can multiply. This increases the risk of infections such as swimmer’s ear, which can cause itching, pain, swelling, or even temporary hearing loss.[1] 

The first step towards avoiding these complications is to understand why water gets stuck. Learning how to prevent swimmer’s ear is essential, especially for people who swim frequently, as keeping the ear canal dry and clean reduces infection risks.

Risk of Water Entering the Ear

Although water in the ear is not a serious issue when it is a small amount, it can become dangerous if it remains trapped. The primary problem is an ear infection called a tender ear (otitis externa). It occurs when bacteria thrive in a warm, damp climate in your ear canal.[2] It is characterized by itching, pain, erythema, swelling, or even pus-like discharge.

The other is temporary hearing loss due to the ear canal being blocked by the water. In rare cases, trapped water may exacerbate ear damage or cause balance problems, particularly in individuals with pre-existing ear conditions. 

What causes ear infections in adults often overlaps with these same risk factors, including trapped moisture, excess earwax, and bacterial growth inside the ear canal. That is why it is important for everyone, swimmers and athletes, children and common shower-goers, to know how do you get water out of your ear.

How Do You Get Water Out of Your Ear

Luckily, water can be removed from your ear in a few safe and effective methods. The most suggested ones are the following:

1. Tilt and Shake

Tilt your head so the affected ear faces downward. Shake your head and pull your ear. The flow of water is usually assisted by this movement.

2. Gravity and Lying Down

Lie on your side with the ear covered, lying downwards. Keep a towel under your head and let gravity help drain the water. Sometimes, simply waiting a few minutes is enough.

3. Valsalva Maneuver

Keep your mouth closed and tighten your nostrils with your fingers, and then blow to open your Eustachian tubes. This can assist in relieving trapped fluid, but it must be done cautiously to avoid injuring your ears.

4. Use a Hairdryer

Place a hairdryer at the lowest heat setting, hold it several inches away, and move it back and forth. The hot air helps evaporate water.

5. Ear-Cleaning Tools

In case earwax is retaining water, a safe cleaning tool may be useful. The Bebird EarSight Complete Smart Ear Cleaner is a safe and innovative product that can take the wax out of your ear softly and ensure that your ear remains clear so that water does not get stuck in your ear anyway.

How to Prevent Water from Entering Your Ears

The following are some good strategies:

1. Wear earplugs or a swim cap when swimming.

2. Cotton swabs should be avoided as they cause wax to be forced further in, and the chances of blockage become higher.

3. Wipe your ears completely after bathing or swimming.

4. It is advisable to clean the accumulated excess wax in your ears with safe cleaning procedures.

5. With these measures, you will be able to reduce the probability of your ears being clogged by water exposure. 

These measures are also recommended in clinical guidelines, which emphasize keeping the ear canal dry and avoiding unnecessary foreign objects [3].

How to Care for Your Ears Daily

Good care of the ears daily not only lessens the chances of infection but also makes your ears healthy in the long run. This is how you can keep your ears in good condition.

Clean Your Ears Safely

Cotton swabs should not be inserted deeply into the ear canal since they may push the wax deeper into the ear or even break your eardrum. Rather, use safe and hygienic ear-cleaning devices. The Bebird EarSight Complete Smart Ear Cleaner is a great choice, and this ear cleaning tool has a smart camera along with an ergonomic shape, helping you safely and thoroughly remove earwax.

Keep Your Ears Dry After Swimming or Showering

Towel dry your outer ear after swimming or taking a shower by tilting your head to one side or the other. You can also let your ears air dry. If needed, a low-heat hairdryer at a safe distance can be used to dry any trace of moisture.

Protecting Your Ears from Loud Noises

It is equally important to protect your hearing as to keep your ears clean and dry. Concerts, construction sites, and the frequent use of headphones can gradually damage your hearing. It is a good idea to use earplugs when in a noisy environment and to use headphones at a low level.

Daily Monitoring of ENT Health

Frequent observation will make you observe variations in your ear health at early stages. The Bebird EarSight Pro HD Camera Ear Tweezers allow you to examine your ear canal when you are at home, so you can identify the potential issues before they progress. The 3-in-1 kit provides a safe cleaning and monitoring solution in a single product, helping you care for every part of your ear.

Additional Tips for Water in the Ear

Pay attention to something you should not do, and if you can not deal with it yourself, find a doctor for help.

What Not to Do When Water Gets in Your Ear

Do not place cotton swabs, bobby pins, or sharp objects, as they can push water or wax further into the ear canal. You can use a professional earwax removal tool to clean your ear canal.

Applying direct high heat to your ear can cause burns.

Do not use ear candling because it is unproven and dangerous.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If water does not come out within 1–2 days, or you feel pain, swelling, discharge, fever, or hearing loss, you need to visit a doctor. These can either be indications of an ear infection or another medical condition that needs attention. Early treatment would help avoid any complications and maintain the health of your ears.

FAQ

How long can water stay trapped in the ear?

Water normally drains out in a few hours, and in other instances, it may take more time. If symptoms persist for 24–48 hours, consult a doctor.

Can trapped water cause permanent damage?

Temporary hearing loss is common, but permanent damage is rare. However, untreated infections can lead to serious complications.

Are ear drops safe for removing water?

Over-the-counter ear drops that treat swimmer's ear are not usually harmful, but your doctor should be consulted in case you have ear tubes, ear surgery, or a chronic ear infection.

Can children use Bebird ear cleaners?

Bebird tools are meant to be used safely at home; however, children should never use them unsupervised.

Conclusion

Information on how to get water out of your ear is important for your comfort and ear health. Between crude methods of tilting and ear-cleaning tools that are safe to use, there are numerous options for extracting water without causing harm. It is also important to prevent it, to keep the ears dry, clean, and free of loud sounds, and to maintain ear health.

Modern devices such as the Bebird EarSight Complete Smart Ear Cleaner and the Bebird EarSight Pro HD Camera Ear Tweezers are innovative, safe, and easy to use for daily ear care.

Embracing these practices and relying on effective ear care products, you will be able to keep the pain to a minimum, avoid infections, and preserve a clear hearing daily.

References

[1].Medina-Blasini, Y., & Sharman, T. Otitis Externa (OE). StatPearls Publishing, 2023. Retrieved from NCBI Bookshelf

[2].Wiegand, S., Berner, R., Schneider, A., & Liese, J. G. Otitis Externa: Investigation and Evidence-Based Treatment. PMC, 2019. Retrieved from PubMed Central

[3].Jackson, E. A., Coates, J. R., & Greenberg, S. Acute Otitis Externa: Rapid Evidence Review. American Family Physician, 2023. Retrieved from AAFP