How to Get Water Out of Your Ear: 9 Safe Tips

How to get water out of your ear may include tilting the head, pulling the outer ear, or lying on your side. These methods can help trapped water drain naturally after swimming, bathing, or showering.

Other options include using a clean towel, creating a gentle vacuum with the hand, or carefully using a hair dryer on a low setting. Isopropyl alcohol and apple cider vinegar may also help dry trapped water in some cases.

Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal or forcing any method, as this can cause injury. An ENT specialist should be consulted if water remains trapped, or if ear pain, drainage, or hearing changes occur.

Main tips

Some tricks that may help get water out of your ear include:

1. Tilting your head

Tilt your head toward the blocked ear and gently move your head up and down, bringing it closer to your shoulder. This may help the trapped water drain out.

Another option is to tilt your head toward the blocked ear and gently hop a few times to help loosen the water.

2. Using the tip of a towel

Place the corner of a clean, dry towel at the opening of the blocked ear for a few seconds. Do not push it into the ear canal, as this can cause irritation or injury.

According to the CDC, objects should not be placed inside the ear canal because this can injure the skin and increase the risk of swimmer’s ear.

Make sure the towel is free of sand and debris to help prevent infection and absorb the water more effectively.

3. Pulling the ear in different directions

Tilt your head toward the blocked ear and gently stretch and pull the outer ear in different directions. This may help move the water so it can drain out.

4. Using a hair dryer

Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat and speed setting, holding it several inches away from the ear, as recommended by the CDC. This can help gently dry the ear canal.

For children, a hair dryer should only be used by an adult to prevent burns or injury to the ear canal or outer ear.

5. Creating a vacuum with your hand

Cupping the palm of your hand over the ear with trapped water may create a gentle vacuum and help pull the water out.

To do this, tilt your head to the side and seal the ear with your cupped palm. Gently press your hand toward the ear, then pull it away quickly.

6. Lying on your side

Lying on your side for a few minutes may also help get water out of your ear. Gravity can allow the water to slowly drain from the ear canal.

Rest your head on a clean, dry towel so the water can be absorbed.

7. Yawning

Yawning or making chewing movements may help move water toward the outer ear canal.

To help the water drain, gently pull the earlobe in different directions after yawning or chewing.

8. Inhaling steam

Steam inhalation may also help get water out of your ear.

To do this, place hot water in a bowl. Then place a towel over your head so that it also covers the bowl, and breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to place your face too close to the steam, as this can cause burns.

Afterward, tilt your head to the side and rest the affected ear on a clean, dry towel to allow the water to drain out. When finished, wipe your face with a towel dampened with cool water.

Steam inhalation is not recommended for children due to the risk of burns. For children, steam from a warm shower may be a safer option.

9. Using isopropyl alcohol and apple cider vinegar

Place one drop of a mixture made with equal parts isopropyl alcohol and apple cider vinegar into the affected ear. As the alcohol evaporates, it may help dry the water in the ear canal, while the vinegar may help protect against infection.

This technique should not be used if a perforated eardrum or ear infection is suspected, as it may worsen the condition and make treatment more difficult.

If the water is removed but ear pain continues, other natural measures may help, such as applying a warm compress over the ear.

When to see a doctor

If water remains trapped in the ear after trying these home remedies, you should see an ENT specialist. Proper care can help remove the water safely and prevent complications.

Ear pain or reduced hearing can happen after swimming or bathing. However, if these symptoms occur without recent water exposure, they may be a sign of an infection and should be assessed by an ENT specialist.

You should also see an ENT specialist if ear pain gets worse quickly or does not improve within 24 hours. This can help confirm whether an infection is present and whether treatment is needed.