Water getting trapped in the ear during bathing or swimming is a common problem that can cause discomfort, headaches, a feeling of heaviness, and reduced hearing. Many people attempt to remove the water using matchsticks, earbuds, or safety pins — practices that can cause serious damage to the eardrum.
Indian ENT specialist Dr. Arijit Mahapatra said inserting hard objects into the ear is extremely dangerous. “The skin inside our ear is very sensitive and the eardrum is very thin. Using such objects can cause trapped moisture to swell earwax and risks perforating the eardrum,” he said.
Prolonged water in the ear can lead to bacterial infections such as swimmer’s ear, doctors warn. Several safe home remedies can help drain the water without risk of injury.
Lie on your side: Lie down with the affected ear facing downward on a pillow for a few minutes. Gravity will help the water drain out naturally.
Hop on one foot: Tilt your head toward the affected ear and hop gently on one foot. The motion can help dislodge trapped water.
Palm vacuum technique: Tilt your head toward the affected ear, press your palm firmly over the ear opening, then quickly pull it away. Repeating this several times creates air pressure changes that can force the water out.
Warm compress: Soak a clean, soft cloth in warm water, wring it out, and hold it against the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes. The warmth relaxes the ear muscles and helps the trapped water drain through the ear canal.
If the water does not drain after trying these methods, consult a specialist.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report