Here are several methods to safely and effectively unblock ears after swimming, as suggested by the references:
Simple Techniques to Clear Water from Your Ears
Sometimes, the simplest methods are the most effective. Here are a few you can try right away:
- Jiggle your earlobe: Gently pulling and jiggling your earlobe might be enough to dislodge the water.
- Gravity's help: Tilt your head to the side with the blocked ear facing down. This allows gravity to drain the water naturally.
More Advanced Methods to Clear Water
If the simple methods don't work, try these slightly more involved techniques:
- Creating a Vacuum:
- Form a tight seal by cupping your hand over the blocked ear.
- Gently push and release your hand several times to create a vacuum. This action might help to pull water out.
- Using a Blow Dryer:
- Set your blow dryer to the lowest and coolest setting.
- Hold the dryer about a foot away from your ear.
- Gently move the dryer around the opening of your ear, and let the warm air help evaporate the water.
- Eardrops or Sprays:
- Over-the-counter eardrops or sprays may help dry the ear canal.
- Ensure they are specifically designed for ear use, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
- Adding More Water:
- Surprisingly, sometimes adding a few drops of clean, room-temperature water can help break the surface tension of the trapped water and allow it to drain out.
- Tilt your head so the blocked ear is facing up, add a few drops, and then immediately turn your head to let the water drain out.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the blockage persists, is painful, or you suspect an infection (like ear pain, redness, discharge), consult a healthcare professional. They can check for other issues or recommend further treatment.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Jiggling Earlobe | Gently pull and jiggle the earlobe to shake out water. |
| Gravity | Tilt the head with the blocked ear down to help water drain out. |
| Vacuum Creation | Cup your hand and push/release over the ear to pull out water. |
| Blow Dryer | Use a low, cool setting to help evaporate the water. |
| Eardrops/Sprays | Utilize over-the-counter eardrops or sprays designed for this purpose. |
| Adding More Water | Add drops of water and tilt to drain. |
