8 Home Remedies for Getting Water Out of Your Ears

When you’re trying to get water out of your ears, it’s important to turn to minimally invasive methods that don’t put your hearing in danger and can’t do you any harm.

Written and verified by the doctor José Gerardo Rosciano Paganelli.

Last update: 11 June, 2022

It often happens that, in the middle of a shower or while swimming in a pool, a certain amount of water enters our ears. This can cause discomfort and even pain. Therefore, it’s important to find ways of getting water out of your ears quickly while causing as little damage as possible to the auditory system.

After the water has entered, you’re likely to have a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Tingling
• Malaise
• Pain
• Loss of balance
• Hearing loss (which is usually temporary)

It’s important to note that these last two signs could be synonymous with a more serious condition. Be sure to visit your doctor if you experience these discomforts, especially if they intensify as time goes by.

In addition, you can consult with the professional about the use of the following 8 home remedies for getting water out of your ears.

1. Getting water out of your ears with the help of gravity

First of all, it’s important to point out that this is the easiest and least invasive way to remove water that you find in your ear.

To do this:

• Firstly, lay parallel to the ground. Let your ear be completely horizontal.
• Put the palm of your hand over your ear. Then, use force to press your year for a few seconds to encourage suction. And, repeat this for a few seconds until you don’t feel water inside.
• Finally, use a cotton swab to get rid of any water that could remain in the ear.

2. Yawning will help your ear

Yawning and even chewing can assist in getting water out of your ears easily. Doing this puts pressure on your middle ear, which redirects the liquids you have inside.

3. Hairdryer

This tool can help you to evaporate the water that you have in your ear. Additionally, it does this without you needing to stick anything inside the ear canal.

To do this you only need to:

• Take your ear by the lobe and slightly pull it.
• Then, turn your hair dryer on to medium heat.
• Keep it at a distance of 4 to 6 inches.
• Then, hold the hairdryer in a position where your ear gets all of its air for at least 30 seconds.
• Finally, repeat this process as necessary.

4. The Valsalva maneuver and your ear

Created by the Italian doctor Antonio Maria Valsalva, this technique is recognized as one of the best ways to push water out of your ears:

• First, breathe deeply and close your mouth. Then, use your fingers to pinch your nostrils shut.
• After, gently blow air into your nose. This will regulate the air pressure and let your eustachian tubes (located in your ear) to be opened again.

5. Salt

Salt is known for its great abilities to absorb moisture. Moreover, it can be used without any risk.

What do you need to do?

• Heat up 1 tablespoon of salt in the microwave.
• Put the salt in a cotton towel.
• Then, lay down and put the cloth over your ear for at least five minutes.
• Repeat as necessary.

6. A little garlic in your ear

According to beliefs, garlic not only helps absorb moisture, but also has antibacterial properties that may help prevent (or treat) ear infections. However, keep in mind that this information comes from anecdotal data and not from scientific evidence.

• First, choose a garlic clove that’s clean and healthy to extract the juice from.
• Put between 3 and 4 drops of its juice in your ear.
• Then, wait at least a minute for the garlic to finish its work.
• Finally, let your ear dry naturally.
• And then, repeat after 2 hours if necessary.

7. Hydrogen peroxide

With its effervescent properties, hydrogen peroxide may be able to get water out of your ear very easily.

It’s also effective for getting rid of wax and any other residue you might find in your ear canal:

• First, with the help of a sterilized dropper, put between 4 and 5 drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear.
• Then, wait at least two minutes.
• Finally, tilt your ear down to let the liquid out.

8. Alcohol and vinegar

In times past, a mixture of alcohol and vinegar was even used to remove water from the ears and, supposedly, prevent infections.

• Initially, mix 1 teaspoon of alcohol with one teaspoon of vinegar.
• Next, with the help of a dropper, pick up between 3 and 4 drops of the mixture.
• Then, place them in your ear and wait 30 seconds while you gently rub the outside of your ear.
• Finally, tilt your ear down so that the liquid can get out.

Consult your family doctor first

Before trying any of these remedies, it’s best to consult your family doctor. Otherwise, you may run the risk of suffering an adverse reaction.

Keep in mind that no matter how highly recommended the home remedies are, none of them can replace the treatment prescribed by the specialist.