Water in the ear is a very common occurrence and can happen to anyone. While swimming or taking a bath or shower, water can get inside the ears. Normally, the wax present in the ear canal prevents fluid from going deep inside the ear. But at times, fluid can get trapped within the ear.
This causes a tickling sensation in the ear that can create much discomfort. It may also be accompanied by pain and reduced hearing ability.
If left untreated, fluid in the ear can cause hearing loss, cyst formation, eardrum inflammation and other complications. This is why it is important to get rid of fluid in the ears as soon as possible.
First, you need to find out whether the fluid is accumulated in the outer ear or middle ear. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear must be treated by a doctor.
Fluid accumulation in the outer ear can be treated at home. There are simple and easy ways to remove fluid from the ear.
Here are the top 10 ways to get water out of your ear.
1. Gravity
The best way to remove water from your ear is to let gravity do the work.
- Tilt your head sideways and hold the affected ear parallel to the ground.
- Place the palm of your hand flat against your ear and press hard for a few seconds. Quickly remove your hand. A temporary vacuum will form that will dislodge the fluid.
- Use a cotton ear bud to very carefully remove the fluid draining from the ear.
Yawning or chewing motions can also help get water out of the ear canal by creating pressure in the middle ear and stretching the ear canal.
Note: Do not insert the ear bud into the ear.
2. Valsalva Maneuver
Performing the Valsalva maneuver will help pop your ears to open the Eustachian tubes and push water out of your ears.
- Close your mouth and pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers, then take a deep breath.
- Gently blow air out of your nose to regulate the air pressure. If done correctly, you will hear a slight popping sound which means the Eustachian tubes are open again.
Note: Don’t blow your nose too hard as it may cause damage to the ear drum.
3. Blow Dryer
A blow dryer can also be used to speed up evaporation of the trapped fluid. The warm, dry air will turn the water to steam and eventually help it dissipate out of the ear.
- Pull your ear lobe away from your body.
- Hold a blow dryer about 10 to 12 inches away from your ear.
- Set the dryer heat to warm and air flow to low.
- Turn the dryer on and aim it directly into the ear canal.
- Hold the dryer in position for approximately 30 seconds.
- If required, repeat again.
Now: Do not do this for more than a few minutes at one time.
4. Rubbing Alcohol and Vinegar
Rubbing alcohol and vinegar is an age-old home remedy to get rid of fluid in the ear.
While the antibacterial properties of vinegar will help kill germs present in the ear, rubbing alcohol helps dry up the water in the ear.
- Mix together one teaspoon each of rubbing alcohol and vinegar.
- Using a dropper, put two to three drops of this solution into the affected ear.
- Rub the opening of the ear canal gently.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Tilt your head so that the fluid can easily drain out.
5. Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can help free your ears of fluid quickly. The heat compress will help open the Eustachian tube (where fluid typically builds up), so that the fluid can escape easily.
- Dip a washcloth in a bowl of hot water, and wring out the excess water.
- Place the hot washcloth against the affected ear for 30 seconds.
- Wait for a minute, and then repeat.
- Do this four or five times at a stretch.
- Lie down on your side to help the fluid drain out.
6. Steam
Inhaling steam is another easy way to ease fluid buildup in the ear.
Steam will help open the Eustachian tube, in turn encouraging the release of fluid trapped in the ear.
- Pour hot steaming water in a large bowl.
- Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam slowly for five to 10 minutes.
- Tilt your head to one side.
- Fluid will start coming out of the ear.
You can also take a hot shower to draw fluid out of the ear canal.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another very effective option to get rid of fluid in ear. Due to its effervescent property, hydrogen peroxide can easily remove the trapped fluid, along with ear wax and debris from the ear canal.
- Using a dropper, put four to five drops of three percent hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear.
- Allow it to settle for one or two minutes.
- Tilt your head downwards to allow the fluid to drain out easily.
9. Salt
Salt can be used to treat fluid in ear as it easily absorbs water. The heat from the hot salt compress also will help the fluid evaporate and relieve pain.
- Heat one-fourth cup of salt in the microwave.
- Put the salt in a cotton cloth and tie it tightly.
- Hold this cloth near the opening of the affected ear for two to three minutes.
8. Garlic
Garlic is another great treatment to dislodge fluid in the ear. Plus, garlic has antibacterial properties that help prevent ear infection as well as reduce pain.
- Press a few garlic cloves to extract the juice.
- Put two or three drops of garlic juice in the affected ear.
- Wait for one minute, and then blow dry the ear from about 12 inches away from the head. (See Blow Dryer remedy above)
10. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great remedy to facilitate the flow of fluid trapped in the ear. Also, its antiseptic properties will reduce the risk of ear infection.
- Slightly warm some olive oil in a small bowl.
- Using a dropper, a few drops of warm olive oil in the ear.
- Allow it to settle for 10 minutes.
- Next, turn your head sideways and remove the oil as well as the fluid with a soft ear bud.
Putting two to three drops of olive oil in each ear before going for swimming will lubricate the tissues lining the ear canal and help prevent water from getting trapped in the ears.
If none of these tips work and you still have fluid in ear, consult a doctor to avoid further complications.
Hey! Whenever water went into my ears, I’ve always put some more water in the ear to fill it to the top. Then, shook my ear a little bit and let the water stay there for a few seconds. And finally, tilt my head all the other way round. And Lo! The Water’s gone!
this worked immediately.on the 1st Attempt. I’m Impressed ^^.
I meant this comment ^ for this post v sorry =(
It does work
Putting more water in the ear works really well it has always worked for me. The only one I would not recommend would be holding ur nose and blowing out it is very easy to hurt ur ear drum.
Thank you so much putting water in the ear really works to get water out the ear thanks again.
I had water in my ear for 24 hours straight and tried everything. As soon as I tried this it worked!
Your way worked for me too.
Took 2 tries but it worked! Thanks!
That work really good
Wow I just did the water in the ear thing and it worked 1st try!!!! Yaaaaaas
Oh my Gosh. Thank you so much! I tried this 2 times to get the water all out and it worked!
Wow this method actually worked on first try
This really works first time…forget all the so called cures involving vacuums and head shaking! Very impressed and very thankful.
genius! worked immediately
That worked on the second try for me. I went swimming and got water in my ear. My brother’s came out straight away but my water stayed in for hours. I tried your idea and it worked 2nd time
Today was my first time getting water actually stuck in my ear. I found this and tried it. I worked!!
OMG that really worked thank you so much
This technique (by adding some waters) are worked for me. Instantly!. Thanks for saving my tonight sleep!
Water was stuck in my ear for 60 hours and hearing was reduced.
Woohoo!!!!! As soon as I tried it worked!!! 21 gun salute to you!!!☺
Wow your method worked thax
I’ve had water stuck in my ears for 3 days, I tried this and it worked the second time. Thanks!
Thanks so much.
It worked on the 2nd try! Thanks. c:
Do not dismiss this comment if it didn’t work first try. I had to do it twice but worked perfectly 🙂
wow I had so much water stuck in my left ear and I tried everything, including yawning and tilting to the side and Q tips. This worked immediately the first time I did this, thank you so much you’re really a life saver!!
I have tried everything even the blow dryer and it started to work but then it went back fire. I can’t sleep tonight and in the morning I’m going to get a hot wash rag and see if it will work.
This was the only thing that worked for me, thanks a lot!
Firstly, thank you for the tips. In the end I dunked my head in a sink of warm water. I had to do this a few times but in the end it worked!
Oh my God, anshul! I love you, it worked!! I got the water out of my ear! I tried all of the ones above and it wouldn’t work and I was getting frustrated, but then I tired your’s and it worked! Thank you!^.^
Amazing! Just about to go to see a doctor. It worked for me at the first go.
OMG, yours is by far the best method anshul. Thankyou so much for saving me from a restless sleep!
Thanks you so much really helps
That was bloody amazing, thanks so much!!! If you guys think it won’t work just try it once or twice, it’s amazing
Thank you so much!!
I don’t understand how it works ironically water gets water out of the ear
It also worked for me. It’s genius, fluid is used to syphon fluid so that’s the technique basically.
This worked on the second try, loved it!!
worked really well for me, almost right away
This method worked really well. I woke up today and everyone’s voices were sounding really weird. I relized that I had water in my ear. I tried everything to get it out ,but it was stuck. Until I tried your method it came right out! Thank you so much
Thanks it actually worked
doesnt work at all!
It Worked!!!! Thank you so much!
Wow that’s pretty neat I never thought of doing that
I had water in my ear for 3 days and tried this after everything else failed. Worked immediately. Best suggestion ever!!!
Worked first try! Thank you
thanks anshul, I tried everything and thought it was crazy ,but it worked on my second attempt regards ron
Wow…pouring some more water in ear worked in seconds !!! Genious 😀
I must say I was really hesitant at first to try adding more water but it really worked instantly thanks
Oh my gosh, thank you so much this is the only thing that worked for me, putting about half a tablespoon of water in the eat, letting it settle, I think I may have put too much though, because it felt worse and worse, but after about a minute if you mess around with your ear a little bit it will come out.. 🙂 thanks so much !!
Great way to get the water out if my ear. I’ve been struggling with the annoyance of water in my ear and this really helped.
Wow! Work right away! Would recommend 500000 times!
Thank you helped lots!
This worked instantly!! Thnxx
This worked for me as well! Thanks dude! I guess it’s because of the water’s surface tension ? 😀 😀
I had water stuck in my war for 4 days I tried this and the water cane right out I was just going to see a doctor tommrow thank you so so so so much!I would of never even thought if doing this!!!!
It worked like a charm thanks Anshul.
Water in ear more water in ear worx perfect. THNX
It did work! Thanks a lot! 🙂
Worked like a champ, first time. My son has had problems with water in his ears for years and I will be sure to tell him this one. Thank you so much.
Awesome cure after24 hrs of hearing loss and pain starting to beg for Dr appt. Thanks a ton. Your friend Blondie
Thank you!! just tried a little bit of distilled water, then quick one-legged jump and tilt and presto. 95% gone now
Thank you so much suffered the entire day n night yesterday saw this ! It worked amazingly. Thank you
Thank You anshul. Awesome! It worked great! I’ve been going nuts for 2 days with water in ear.
This remedy should be the first one posted!!! I swim frequently and get water in my ears and always have been able to get it out before by shaking my head around. Today, no luck. I was getting frantic when I read this page. I tried the water trick—-why not? already have water in there LOL, and presto! This fixed me right up. Seems illogical, true, but it worked for me.
I just tried this and it worked
on the first try! I had water in my ear for over 5 hours and I tried everything possible and nothing worked until I finally just put more water in my ear. Love this method thanks!
Omg. Just tried this wihh my husband becausbecause he’s been trying for 40 min and it immediately came out!! Ty!
Wow. This works like magic.
This worked! Thank you so much. I spent so much time trying out other methods. And this worked! Thanks again!
Top man March 2016 used a tea spoon warm water day after worked a treat
Tried everything else with no affect but this worked first time and such a relief thanks
Worked as a charm. My mom used a spoon and added slowly warm water while I was holding the affected ear pointing to the ceiling. Stayed 10 sec with ear filled with water and then started tilting and using the palm method and then jumped. 🙂
3 hours of agony gone in 5 seconds!! Awesome..
Took me 2 tries but it worked great! I tried to tilt my head the other way too fast, it worked best if I slowly tilted my head back up proper which drained it.
Thank you so much none of these worked but yours worked instantly!
omg thankyou sooo much i had water in my ear so long and you helped me thanks
oh my goodness this works great!!! tried the blow dryer no luck that worked thanks sooooo much…….
That worked so well…Thanks!
Nothing is working is that a bad thing because it makes it hurt more
Oh my gosh, this worked on 1st try. Thanks for sharing!
I tried this method on my son and it immediately worked! Thank you!!
Thank you!!!! ITs the simple things in life that work best. Aloha.
This worked for me on the first attempt.
Same as everyone is saying . Thanks a lot
I have had water in my ear for a week and you just fixed it! Thank you.
When water goes in my ear, I tilt my head with afected ear facing sky. Use finger to drop few more drops of water in ear. You will hear some noise. Just at that time tilt head other side. Because of capillary action all water comes out. You will feel warm water coming out. I have used this technique since I was child. Good luck.
This worked for me!
I was so worried and tried number of tips but to no avail. I finally decided to go on with this one. Guess what? It worked instantly. A big cheers.
This works
..worked first time…THANKS~~~~~~!
It worked for me. Thanks!!
OMG pouring water in the affected ear worked. I thought to myself how weird is that to pour lukewarm water into my ear when I’m trying to get water out of it but I did it and it instantly worked. Thank you for sharing.
Not capillary action involved here. The gushing water creates a suction/vacuum behind it.
OMG I didn’t believe this but I just did this to my 14 year old who has been flicking his head for hours. One shot. 5 seconds and bam!!! Thanks
thanks that worked the first try i had water in my ear for 3 hours and tried this and it worked!
No1 worked well for me after applying and releasing pressure with the flat of my hand about 20times very quickly.
Worked for me too, the palm trick. Thank you!
This may sound weird and look weird but shaking your head back and forth like you are at a rock concert aka head banging works in a matter of seconds
Yes! I’m a competitive swimmer and I have had to do that MANY times, enough to know that IT WORKS!
Thank you so so so much That worked so well
Awesome! This worked for me instantly! 7 hrs after swimming I still had water in my ear. & the minute I read this and shook my head really hard, it drained right out! Cool!
Thank you SO MUCH!!! You saved my ear!
Thanks I really need that my ear hurt so bad and no it feels very good thanks
Ha! My daughter just had water in her ear from the lake yesterday. I told her we should try this. She was like pssh… the Internet remedies are dumb. We made a bet and guess whose got dish duty tonight!? Ha! Thank you for this amazing tip! *puts feet up and sips a glass of wine * 🙂
Wow! I had water in my right ear for about 3 hours after coming home from the pool and I tried everything. The only thing that worked was the water drops trick. I was really impressed as I didn’t believe that would work. Thank you for saving my ear! 🙂
Good idea just got back from a surf and couldn’t clear the water from my ear. tried it and it worked first time. such a relief.
I have been trying for hours to get water out. And keep hurting my neck shaking my head so hard. A couple drops of water added and Presto! Immediate relief! Wow!
I found that the ‘head banging’ worked very well for me..
Thank you whomever suggested it.
Omg , it actually works , thanks
I held my breath and pinched my nose and gently blowed until my ears popped, pulled the bottom of my earlobe down and shook my head and the water drained instantly.
got water in my ear after showering and laying down on my side. The water trick worked
It really works
i I came home from the pool and hot water in my ear all day I tried everything and nothing works I finally came to the side in the water drops in the year to totally helped!!
it worked the water irritated me for five hours but by gravity method it came out 🙂
Awesome trick , worked for me after suffering For 16 hrs
I go in the pool every day and every time I come out there is water in my ear! It’s so frustrating and annoying! At first I tried the gravity method and it worked the first few times but I guess my ear got used to it!(?) Now I use the water drop method and it works every time! Thanku so much whoever shared it!!!!!
Thank you sooooo much I had water in my ear of two days . I couldn’t hear a thing but then I tried I hot water in the ear remedy and it instantly work .
Wow great ides☺
A way my mom had done this for me was using a sock (a soft one and clean) and uncooked rice. We put the rice filled sock into the microwave for 50 seconds so it heats up. Then you place the heated sock onto your ear. Keep it there for a while, 10 minutes at the least. The steam helps relieve pain and helps evaporate the water in your ear.
Just used the water method with my daughter and worked the first time!!! Thank you!!!
It really does work on the first try! #amazed
i had water in my ear from swimming and this tip really works
i found that right after it happens, jiggle your head a lot to the sides and then tilt your head and it comes right out!
It works good I had water in my ear ever since 6:00
I found that it works if you stick your thumb or other finger in your ear and make it sort of flat and tilt your head with the affected ear to the ground. This does something, I don’t really want to explain because then other people will be like ‘thats not how it works’ so I’m just saying that now.
I just got my ear full of water and I found this website and the method worked first time
Tried it twice and it worked amazing !!
Amazing results I must admit just by adding water, can’t believe just by using water to get water out. I had water in my ear, (happened when I went swimming, forgot to wear my ear plugs), for the last 24 hours which made my ear and head painful. I couldn’t neither sleep nor work. For now, what a relief, feels so good after my ear is drained. Thanks a lot for the great advice.
I feel much better
I put apple cider vinegar in my ear to help with an infection. ACV instantly made the ear feel better. Then it wouldn’t come back out. I tried several of the remedies listed… Nothing. Warm water did the trick! Thank you!
Omg! It really does work! My daughter had water stuck in her ear for over 24 hrs and was becoming quite upset, it worked first time, well done that man x x
THANK YOU !!!!
THANK YOU!
Omgosh the water drops saved my life yay. I actually put proxcide instead of water to prevent swimmers ear. And it instantly worked. U kept trying to do the gravity method but the water wasn’t Budging. I’m so relived. Yay
Whenever water goes into my ear I put a lot of pressure on the affected ear and let go quickly it might take a few times but that’s just my ear:)
My god .. from past 4 hrs, water was making buzz sounds inside my ear… Tried many things.. finally I tried placing my affected ear on my Palm and created sunction with pressing it in and out… And water drops came out finally.
None of these methods have worked
The water in the ear realy worked!!
First 23 times it didn’t work what I thought so i tried the blow dryer and it worked ?
The water method worked miracles!!! But you do need to make sure to move your ear around! I tried what I’ve always done as a child when I git water in my ear from swimming which was to put hydrogen peroxide in my ear but it didn’t work so I found this and tried it!! Who knew?!
brilliant the first technique, tried it a few times, really press hand down and violently out, thank you Top10HomeRemedies 🙂
Awesome, I was hesitant to put more water in my ear! I often get blocked ears when swimming and managed it again on holiday – after reading this, I got some warm water in an egg cup and poured some in, shock my head, left it for 15-20 seconds and tipped my head so it came out, lone behold, it all came out and my ears were clear!
Very sceptical about putting more water in ear. First attempt nothing… Second one WORKED fantastic. Thanks a lot
Thank you maker this has really helped because I am not used to having wiered clinging sounds in my head
This worked on my first attempt. WOW this is awesome
Thanks it really worked putting more water worked thanks!!!
Putting more water into the ear canal worked the first time!
‘so grateful for this suggestion as my hearing was greatly impaired with all of the water in my ear.
Yooooo, this actually worked. The best method is to put more water in your ear and then take that out. Now I can finally sleep peacefully without all that pain
I just tied the method of holding my head sideways and making a vacuum with my palm on my ear and quickly removing my hand and it worked great….so glad I looked here for an answer!
I enjoy skimboarding at the beach that sometimes when you crash makes for high pressure sand and water into your ears. I had some in there for days but using warm water to wash it out worked great!
WAS SO HESITANT TO TRY THE FILLING UP YOUR EAR WITH WATER METHOD!! FIRST TIME WAS A BIT BETTER 2ND TIME WAS PERFECT ALL CAME OUT!! DO NOT TRY THE EXTRA WATER METHOD IF YOU HAVE AN EAR INFECTION BECAUSE THAT WILL NOT WORK OUT WELL FOR YOU!!
It worked the second time. Thank you so much. You are a life saver.
Put 2-3 drops of baby oil in your ear, it works right away.
Nothing works….nothing tried putting more water in 4 times and nothin
I will also add one old method of removing water from the ear. In this method you need to keep ur effected ear on one side and another person use a long straw of wheat with little cotton to remove all the water from your ear. He will insert straw in your ear and put fire on another end of the straw with a cotton. Please make sure the fire he make is of low flame and heat do not reach to the hairs and face. After few second the water will start comming out from your ear through straw. It works perfectly and applicable in our village since long long time.
It really works it so cool my ear feels so much better thank you for your help
and I hope this works for other people like it worked for me so thank you again
Whoa putting water in the ear worked!!! thank you!!
this worked as soon as a tried it amazing 🙂 (: ():
It worked with me. My granddaughter had thrown a mug of w after with great force on my ear. Thanks.
Number 2 worked my first try but for my brother it didn’t so I would try all of the methods before you give up my brother went through all of them till it got out
Thank you so much… The comment I mean. I had an ear ache all day. Fixed it on the first time
It didnt work for me. I put a little bit of olive oil in my ear and then put cotten wool in it. I lay with my affected ear up for around ten minutes. The olive oil dissovles the wax which traps the water.
Works great!
One of these methods worked awesomely for me!! Now I am relieved from the discomfort I was feeling with my ear and the water. The one that really helped is the Hydrogen Peroxide one. But instead of Hydrogen Peroxide I used water because I couldn’t find our Hydrogen Peroxide…
I had water in my ear for 3 months! Tried everything even went to the doc who prescribed pills and nothing. Then read the first comment on here (after trying the others) and that one worked! Cannot tell you how grateful I am to not have that crackling sound in my ear anymore every time I move my jaw! Genius
Hey when ever water got into my ear all I did was put some pour water in about 2-3 drops then I leave it there for about 10 seconds then I tilt my head to the side and shook it a bit then the water just fell right out of this does not work try reapiting over and over Again until you finally get the water out
it really worked for my daughter. Thanks
I tried one of the first remedies here – the vacuum one – which didn’t work. Then after reading the comment and responses about filling the ear with water, I tried it too. It worked the second time I did it. So relieved! Thanks for posting.
Thank you so so much!!!!i was struggling with ear pain for more than 24 hours. It worked at the very first attempt:)
This did not work for me at all !! I wasted all my hot water on this ! Now my life is ruined forever !!! Thanks a lot !!!
Had water stuck in my ear for 5 days. Used the palm of my hand as a vacum and nothing came out, but I can hear properly again!! Everything seems so loud, thank you 🙂 xx
Thank you very much……………..your technique helped me…..Amazing result.
Palm trick worked for me right after seeing your comments! 😀 Suction thing is scientific and worked in seconds!
………………………..Awesome
you guys sure it works because im going to try it
Thank you so much i had both of my ears like that for about 5 hours and it maked me have a lot of headaches, used this methob and whjen the water dried, the water were gone
Gravity! this worked perfectly. i was very uncomfortable.. Thank you for sharing.
I love this I got the water out I am going to share the website
it seriosly worked guys
Thanks god it’s worked.
Normally just tilt my head to which ever side u have water in and jump up n down a few times, works every time