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How do I get water out of my ears?7 tips for getting rid of trapped water in ear canalsEver get water "stuck" in your ear canals? When this happens, you may hear and feel the water moving around, especially when you move your head. Your ear (or ears) may also feel extra stuffy, like you need to yawn. Fortunately, this is an easy situation to fix. How does water get stuck?The shape of your ear canal combined with the pressure of the water can make you more likely to get water stuck in your ear, especially when you are fully submerged. Kids and adults who spend a lot of time in the water are most at risk; however, getting water stuck in your ears can happen anytime you go under the water. Inverting yourself, like during a flip or handstand, is usually the fastest way this can happen. People with small ear canals, extra earwax or a foreign object may be more like to experience this, too. 7 tips for getting water out of your earsIf you do happen to experience an episode of water in the ears, don’t insert anything solid inside your ear canal to help it drain. Using a cotton swab or other object—even your finger— may push obstructions deeper into the canal and puncture your eardrum. It can also scratch away the protective waxy layer inside your ear canal, providing an opening for bacteria to grow. Instead, try these tips:
If water has been stuck in your ears for days and you've tried everything to get it out, see a doctor. Is it risky when water is stuck in ears?Sometimes. Your ears secrete a waxy, water repellent-substance known as cerumen (earwax), so most of the time water will gently trickle out on its own. When it doesn’t, bacteria may begin to grow and cause otitis externa, an ear infection also known as swimmer’s ear. Favorable environments for bacterial growth include wet and humid conditions, scratches or abrasions inside the ear canal or reactions from allergies and skin conditions. Initial symptoms of swimmer’s ear may be mild and include: If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment to see your family doctor immediately. If water has been stuck in your ears for days or even weeks, also see your doctor. How do you prevent it?If you easily get water in your ears, you can wear over-the-counter earplugs, or talk to your hearing healthcare professional about purchasing a set of ear plugs designed for use in the water. These plugs may be more expensive than the typical foam ear plugs purchased at the drugstore; however, they can be custom-fit your ears and are washable and reusable. More: Kids and earplugs: What you need to know Monitor your ear healthEnjoy all the sounds every season brings by making your hearing health a priority. Schedule annual visits for hearing evaluations and, if you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, follow the prescribed course of treatment sooner rather than later. Visit Healthy Hearing’s directory to find a hearing center near you. Debbie Clason, staff writer, Healthy HearingDebbie Clason holds a master's degree from Indiana University. Her impressive client list includes financial institutions, real estate developers, physicians, pharmacists and nonprofit organizations. Read more about Debbie.
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Children's hearing loss
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