Sometimes
while taking a shower or sometimes when you are swimming in the pool; water in
the ears occurs very commonly and can happen to anyone. It is very natural
phenomena and not really a cause of concern. As per the natural constitution of
the ears, the water is prevented from going deep inside the ear by the wax
present in the ears. However, sometimes the fluid or the water can get trapped
within the ear.
Sometimes
when this fluid stays trapped in the ears for a long time, it could cause some
sort of discomforts which can eventually lead to pain and hearing impairment.
Although, this condition is most often not serious however in some cases
complications like hearing impairment, formation of cysts, swelling of the
eardrum etc. could arise. Hence, it is always important to get the trapped
water out of the ears as soon as possible.
This
condition is often faced by swimmers and hence it is also called swimmer’s ears.
Understanding Natural Protection Mechanism of the Ears
Like
all other parts of the body, the ears also are made with a natural self defense
mechanism which helps in protecting it and keeping it clean. Ear wax is a ways
by which the ears protect themselves from various external elements including
dust, insects and various bacterial infections. The ear wax carries with it
various foreign particles or debris from the ears. It helps in coating the ear
canals with a lining that is waterproof and helps in protecting the ears from
infection or irritations.
Best
Ways to Get Water Out of Your Ears
Here
are the simplest ways you can get the excess water out of your ears
• Move your ears in
the direction of gravity: The best way to get water out of your ears is to let
the gravity do its job. Tilt your head towards the earth and press your palms
on to your affected side of the ear. This hard hitting of the hands on the ears
creates a temporary vacuum that will eventually cause the fluid inside the ears
to move. You can thereafter clear out this fluid from the ears by stretching
the ear lobe and using cotton to remove the water. Remember to not insert a
cotton bud as that can push the water further into the ear canals.
• Valsalva maneuver:
This is a common technique used by people to alleviate ear pain caused due to
air pressure such as in the flights. Close your mouth and pinch your nose. Then
take a deep breath and gently blow out air to regulate the air pressure. This
releases a popping sound that indicates that the ear tubes are open again.
• Blow Dryer: A blow dryer is also helpful to
evaporate the trapped fluid in your ears. The warm air from the dryer turns the
water into steam and helps to release it from the ears. To do these pull your
ear lobes away from your body. Hold the blow dryer at a distance from the body
so as to refrain burning the body from the hot air. Set the heat of the dryer
to warm and the air flow to low pressure rather than a blast of hot air. Aim
the dryer into the ear canals and hold the dryer for approximately 30 seconds.
Repeat if required. However, do not do this for more than a few minutes at one
time.
• Rubbing Alcohol and
Vinegar: Rubbing a mix of alcohol along with vinegar is a traditional method of
draining out ear fluid. The antibacterial properties in vinegar help in killing
the germs and bacteria present in the ears, while the alcohol helps in drying
up the ear fluid. Mix in one teaspoon of both alcohol and vinegar. Use a
dropper to pour in about two to three drops of this mix into the affected ears.
Slowly open the ear canal and wait for about 30 seconds. As you tilt your head,
the fluid will easily drain out of your ear opening.
• Heat Therapy: This
method will help you get rid of the fluid in your ears rather quickly. The heat
compress technique used in this method of fluid removal helps in opening up the
e Eustachian tube, the tube where the fluid builds up so
that the fluid can be released easily. Place a warm washcloth that has been
dipped in warm water and hold against the affected ear for about 30 seconds.
Wait for about a minute before you repeat the process and continue this for
about four to five times. Lie down on the affected side to help the fluid come
out easily.
• Steam: Inhaling
steam is a safe and easy way to get some relief from the fluid buildup in the
ears. The steam helps in opening up the Eustachian tube which in turn
helps in releasing the fluid trapped in the ears. For this method of fluid
removal, pour in some hot water in a large bowl. Take a towel over your head
and slowly inhale this steam for about five to ten minutes. Move your head to
one side and slowly the fluid will start coming out of your ears. You can also
take a hot shower instead of a steam to get the fluid out of your ears.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: One of the safest ways to
clean your ears is by using the hydrogen peroxide solution. Due to its
effervescent properties, the hydrogen peroxide
can
help in easily removing the fluid trapped in the ear canal along with the wax
and dirt in the ears. Can easily remove the trapped fluid, along with ear wax
and debris from the ear canal. Take a dropper and put about four to five drops
of the solution in the affected ear. Allow the solution to work for a minute or
two and slowly tilt your head down for the fluid to easily drain out.
• Salt: Salt is also
a helpful remedy to get rid of fluid in the ears since it has natural water
absorbing properties. A warm salt compress on the affected ear can help the
water to dry up rather quickly or make way out of the ear canals. It also helps
in alleviating the pain due to fluid collection.
