Water in ear

Characterized by a rustling noise through the ear canal and gurgling sounds in the eardrum, the sensation of a muffled ear caused by the presence of water stuck in the ear is common. Noises in the ears can be annoying and can lead to other non-related ailments such as insomnia. Normally, the ear should reopen after a short time so that the water can drain and often just shaking or tilting the head is sufficient for it to come out.

In some cases, though, the water is stuck in the ear for days and the unpleasant sensation of muffling in the ear persists. Since water, salt and chlorine can destroy the protective film of the ear, the overall health of the ear is put at risk, thereby increasing exposure to pathogens which may even lead to an inflammation of the duct, as in swimmer's ear. What can you do to drain the water and avoid these problems?

During a shower, bath or through swimming, water may accumulate in the ear. The water flows into your ear duct and can sometimes generate a characteristic muffled sound. This is because water floods the ear canal and settles inside the ear. It works its way through the slightly sloping ear canal down into the eardrum itself, trapping water behind the eardrum. Due to this trapped water, the eardrum is unable to move properly and no longer transmits sound effectively. This is why you may only hear muffled noises, all the while, accompanied by a low gurgle.

Should the sensation of muffled ear persist, it may be that earwax inside the ear canal has absorbed some of the water, swelling in size and is now occluding the ear. If the pain doesn’t subside within a couple of days, this may be the sign of an ear canal infection and an appointment with a GP or ENT specialist is advised.

Water in ears can cause ear infections. Pain and itching in the ear may indicate an infection caused by germs in the water. In the event of such symptoms, your ENT specialist may prescribe an antibiotic if necessary and also remove the remaining water from the ear. Failure to treat these warning signs can, in a worst-case scenario, lead to permanent hearing loss.

1. If you are unable to get rid of water in the ear, try to remove it by shaking or tilting your head. You can also try soak it up by gently inserting the tip of a paper tissue into the ear canal. However, it is essential this is not excessively thick, as it could irritate the walls.
2.  If the water remains stuck inside the ear, care should be taken. In fact, a sudden movement and the insertion of objects could cause severe and persistent ear pain.
   
3.  Gentle heat from a hair dryer can also help dry the ear canal properly and get rid of water in the ear. Some precautions are necessary, though, such keeping the hair dryer a sufficient distance from the ear and using it on the lowest level of heat in order to avoid burns and other related problems.
   
4. If the aforementioned steps prove ineffective and the muffled ear sensation still continues some days later, plug of wax has probably formed inside the ear. You can try treating this with specific sprays or ear drops for water in the ear, which can soften and drain the cap.
   
5. Ear candles, however, are not suitable as a definitive treatment for a plug of ear wax. Likewise, they should not be used to get rid of water in the ear either.
   
6. Water in the ear not only creates unpleasant ear pain but it can also be dangerous if it remains there at length. If ear inflammation has already occurred, it is strongly recommended you make an appointment with your GP or ENT specialist.