Water or fluid in the ear can be very annoying, but you don't have to leave it alone. While this will usually go away on its own, you can speed it up in a few simple ways. Remove fluid from the ear with a few simple movements or open the canal inside the ear. In addition, you can also dry the liquid with ear drops or a hairdryer. However, if you suspect you have an infection, see your doctor for treatment.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Draining the Fluid
Step 1. Pull the outside of the ear while tilting the head
Point the affected ear toward the floor. Pull the lobe and outer ear cartilage in different directions to open the ear. You may feel fluid oozing out. Repeat on the other ear if necessary.
This is a great way to get some water out after a swim or shower
Step 2. Create an airtight chamber by hand to drain the liquid
Place your palms firmly over your ears. Press your hand a few times then release. Tilt your ear down so that the water inside can escape.
Step 3. Relieve pressure with a light Valsalva maneuver
Inhale then hold. Cover your nose with 2 fingers and push the air into the Eustachian tube in the ear by pushing the air. If this method works, you should feel the pressure release. Tilt your head by pointing the blocked ear toward the floor so that the fluid can drain out.
- Do not do this method if you suspect you have an ear infection.
- Push the air slowly. If you do it too vigorously, you could get a nosebleed.
Step 4. Pinch your nose and yawn to push the liquid down your throat
Cover the nostrils with your fingers. Yawn deeply several times in a row. This can allow fluid to flow down the throat and out of the ear.
Step 5. Lie down while pointing the blocked ear down
Lie on your side while directing the blocked ear to the layer of towel, pillow, or cloth underneath. After a few minutes, the fluid in the ear will begin to drain. You can even take a nap or lie down like this all night while you sleep.
Step 6. Chew gum or food
Chewing usually opens the Eustachian tube. Tilt your head while chewing to encourage fluid to drain out of your ear. If you don't have gum or food on hand, try moving your mouth as if you were chewing.
Step 7. Dilute the liquid with a steam treatment
Steam can dilute the liquid making it easier to expel. Pour hot water into a bowl. Bend over to the bowl and cover your head with a towel. Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. After that, tilt the blocked ear to the side so that the fluid in it can come out.
Method 2 of 3: Dry Ears
Step 1. Clean the ears with hydrogen peroxide
Half fill the eardropper with hydrogen peroxide. Tilt your head so that the blocked ear is on the top side. Put a drop of hydrogen peroxide into the ear. Once the hissing sound stops (usually about 5 minutes), tilt your head so that the blocked ear is now pointing downwards. Pull on the earlobe to help drain the fluid out of it.
Hydrogen peroxide can help evaporate the fluid while cleaning the ear wax that retains fluid
Step 2. Use ear drops
You can buy over-the-counter ear drops at pharmacies or even convenience stores. Tilt your head to the side so that the blocked ear is pointing up. Read the instructions on the product packaging to find out how many drops you should use and how long you should wait after that.
- This solution is usually equipped with a drip. However, if you still need more drops, buy them at the pharmacy.
- You can make your own ear drying drops from a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol will dry out the fluid in your ear.
- If there is fluid in both ears, wait about 5 minutes or cover the first ear with a cotton ball before applying ear drops to the other ear.
Step 3. Dry the ears with a hairdryer
Turn on the hairdryer on the lowest temperature and blow. Point the hair dryer at your ear from a distance of 15 cm. Allow a gust of air from the device into the ear to help drain the fluid trapped there.
Step 4. Dry the outside of the ear with a towel after swimming and bathing
Do not put the towel in the ear. Just wipe the remaining water on the outer side of the ear to prevent it from entering.
Step 5. Avoid inserting a cotton swab or tissue into the ear
This can actually irritate and scratch the ear, increasing the risk of infection. If you can't get the water out of your ear on your own, it's best to ask your doctor for help.
Method 3 of 3: Overcoming the Disease That Causes It
Step 1. Take a decongestant if you have a sinus infection or a cold
Decongestants allow fluid in the ear to drain naturally. Take the medicine according to the directions for use on the package.
You can use over-the-counter decongestants such as Sudafed or Afrin tablets or sprays
Step 2. See a doctor if your ear does not improve after 7 days
Your doctor may prescribe cortisone tablets such as Prednisone or Medrol. Take medication as directed by your doctor. Your ears will usually improve after 7 days.
This medicine will reduce inflammation in the ear Eustachian canal so that the trapped fluid can drain naturally
Step 3. Take antibiotics if fluid is still in the ear after 6-8 weeks
Visit the doctor again for a new prescription. Antibiotics are especially important for children, although adults may also need to use them. Antibiotics will treat your current infection and prevent new ones.
Step 4. Get a tumor checked if fluid is only in one ear without a runny nose
If there is fluid on one side of your ear suddenly for no apparent reason, this may be a symptom of a tumor growth, whether benign or cancerous. Ask for a referral to an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor from a general practitioner. Next, the ENT doctor will perform a cancer examination.
At first, the ENT doctor will visually examine your ear and ask you for a blood test. If he suspects a tumor is growing in your ear, you will usually be given a local anesthetic and a sample of your ear tissue will be taken for examination. An MRI scan may also be used
Step 5. Have surgery if the fluid cannot be removed by other means from the ear
The surgeon will cut your ear to remove the fluid. Because removing all this fluid takes a long time, your doctor may place a tube in your ear. Once your ear has healed, your doctor will remove this tube at his or her clinic.
- Children may have to have this tube in their ear for 4-6 months. Meanwhile, adults may only need to wear it for 4-6 weeks.
- The first operation will be performed under anesthesia in a hospital. However, after that, the tube can be removed without anesthesia in the doctor's office.
Tips
- Usually, the fluid in the ear will come out naturally. However, if it doesn't come out after 7 days, see a doctor.
- If you suspect fluid has entered your baby or child's ear, take them to the doctor for treatment.
