How to Get Water out of Your Ear
, by Andrew Odgers, 16 min reading time
Ear Wax Removal Knowledge Hub
How Do You Get Water out of Your Ear?
Safe, simple techniques to drain trapped water from your ear and how to know when it needs medical attention.
Water in the ear is extremely common and usually harmless if it drains within a few hours. After swimming, showering or bathing, water can become trapped in the outer ear canal — particularly if ear wax is present, as the wax can form a seal that prevents natural drainage. The result is a muffled, gurgling sensation that is uncomfortable but usually straightforward to resolve.
The concern with prolonged water retention is not the water itself but the warm, moist environment it creates. Bacteria thrive in these conditions, and water left in the ear for more than 24 to 48 hours significantly increases the risk of otitis externa — commonly known as swimmer's ear — a painful outer ear infection that requires antibiotic treatment.
When Water in the Ear Becomes a Problem
- Water trapped for more than 24 to 48 hours — infection risk rises
- Pain or itching developing inside the ear canal
- Discharge from the ear (sign of infection already present)
- Hearing does not recover after drainage attempts
- Wax may be sealing water inside — drops may be needed first
- Symptoms in a child — seek GP advice sooner
24–48hMaximum time water should remain in the ear before seeking help
5 minsMost drainage techniques work within five minutes if effective
1 in 5Swimmers develop outer ear infection each season without prevention
3xHigher infection risk when water and ear wax combine
Six Methods to Get Water Out of Your Ear
Try these techniques in order, starting with the simplest. Most cases of water in the outer ear canal resolve within minutes using gravity and movement alone.
01
Gravity and Head Tilt
Tilt your head so the affected ear faces downward toward your shoulder. Hold the position for thirty seconds to one minute. Gently shake your head in a short, sharp motion to encourage the water to move toward the canal entrance.
02
Earlobe Tug
With your head still tilted ear-downward, gently pull your earlobe in a downward and slightly backward direction. This straightens the ear canal and allows water to flow out more freely.
03
Palm Suction
Tilt your head, cup your palm tightly over the ear and press and release rapidly several times. This creates a gentle pumping action that can dislodge water from further inside the canal.
04
Jaw Movement
Chewing, yawning or moving the jaw vigorously can help open the Eustachian tube and release water that has migrated into the middle ear. Particularly useful when head tilting alone has not resolved the issue.
05
Warm Hairdryer
Hold a hairdryer on its lowest heat setting approximately 30 cm from the ear. Move it slowly back and forth for thirty seconds. The warm moving air evaporates residual moisture in the canal. Never insert the hairdryer nozzle near the ear.
06
Drying Ear Drops
Over-the-counter drying drops (typically containing isopropyl alcohol) help evaporate residual moisture in the canal. These are useful for persistent cases or when swimming regularly. Do not use if you have a perforated eardrum or ear infection.
What to Do If Water Will Not Drain
If the above techniques do not resolve the sensation within a few hours, consider whether ear wax may be playing a role. Wax can act as a plug that traps water inside the canal. In this case, the water cannot drain until the wax is softened or removed.
If Wax Is Trapping the Water
- Use olive oil drops or over-the-counter ear drops to soften the wax. Apply as directed and leave for ten minutes.
- After softening, return to the drainage techniques above — the water should now be able to escape past the softened wax.
- If the sensation persists after 48 hours or hearing has not returned to normal, seek professional assessment. A clinician can visualise the canal, confirm whether wax is present and remove it safely.
Effectiveness of Water Removal Techniques (UK Survey)
Based on self-reported effectiveness data from UK adults. Cotton buds introduce infection risk and cannot remove water from deeper in the canal.
Never use cotton buds to try to dry the ear canal. They absorb very little moisture, leave fibres behind, risk scratching the canal lining and introduce bacteria. A clean towel placed at the outer ear entrance is a safer way to absorb any water that has already drained to the opening.
Preventing Water in the Ear
For people who swim regularly or are prone to water-related ear problems, simple preventive measures significantly reduce the frequency of the issue.
- Wear well-fitted swimming ear plugs — the most effective single measure for swimmers
- Tilt and drain immediately after exiting the water — do not wait for water to become trapped before addressing it
- Dry the outer ear gently with a towel after bathing or swimming
- Manage ear wax proactively — regular softening drops prevent wax build-up that traps water
- Use drying drops after swimming if you are prone to swimmer's ear
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This guide is part of the Charles Medical Ear Wax Removal Knowledge Hub, a comprehensive resource covering every aspect of ear care, from symptoms and causes to professional treatment options.
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