How to Get Water Out of Your Ears After Swimming

That muffled, blocked feeling after a swim is one of the most common complaints we hear at the poolside, and the good news is that water in ears swimming usually clears on its own with a few gentle techniques. Here is how to get trapped water out safely, stop it happening so often, and recognise when it is time to see a doctor.

Why water gets trapped in your ears when swimming

The outer ear canal is a short, slightly curved tunnel that ends at the eardrum. When you submerge, water can run in and sit against the natural wax and the bend in the canal. Surface tension holds a small bubble of water in place, and that is what creates the underwater, plugged-up sensation. For most swimmers it is harmless and temporary.

Some people are more prone to it than others. Narrow or curvier ear canals, a build-up of ear wax, or wearing a tight swim cap that traps moisture can all make water linger. Children often notice it more because they spend long stretches dunking and diving during lessons.

Safe ways to get water out of your ears

Work through these gentle methods. They are listed roughly from simplest to slightly more involved. Never poke anything into the ear canal.

Tilt and tug

Tip your head to the affected side so the ear faces the ground.
Gently pull the earlobe down and back. This straightens the canal and helps the water find its way out.
Hold for a few seconds and let gravity do the work.

The hop and shake

With your head tilted, hop on one foot a few times or give your head a gentle shake. Children usually enjoy this one, and the small jolt is often enough to dislodge the trapped bubble.

Create a vacuum with your palm

Tilt your head down.
Cup your palm tightly over the ear to form a seal.
Push in and pull out gently a few times, then tilt your head so the ear points downward.

The light suction can break the surface tension and draw the water free. Do this softly so you do not hurt the eardrum.

Chew, yawn or wiggle your jaw

Moving your jaw flexes the tissue around the ear canal and the Eustachian tube. Yawning widely, chewing gum or simply wiggling the jaw from side to side can shift water that is sitting deeper.

Lie down on a warm towel

Resting the affected ear against a warm (not hot) towel for a minute or two can help. The warmth encourages the water to drain and is soothing for younger swimmers who find the blocked feeling annoying.

A few words of caution

Do not insert cotton buds, fingers, hairpins or any object into the ear canal. This pushes wax and water deeper and can scratch the canal or damage the eardrum.
Avoid blowing forcefully with your nose pinched, as too much pressure is not good for the ears.
Be gentle with home suction. The aim is a light vacuum, not a hard pull.

How to stop water getting in your ears in the first place

Prevention is far easier than fixing a blocked ear after every session. A few habits make a big difference, especially for children who swim regularly.

Well-fitting earplugs: soft silicone or moulded swimming earplugs keep most water out. Make sure they fit comfortably and are sized for the wearer.
A snug swim cap: pulling the cap down over the ears adds a second barrier and helps hold earplugs in place.
Dry thoroughly afterwards: tilt the head each way and dab the outer ear with a soft towel after every swim. Do not push the towel into the canal.
Air-dry the canal: a hairdryer on the lowest, coolest setting held a good arm’s length away can gently dry the ear. Keep it moving and never let it feel hot.

Building comfortable breathing and submersion habits also helps. When a swimmer learns to relax and control their movements underwater, they tend to take in less water overall. This is something we work on patiently in lessons, particularly with nervous beginners who tense up and gulp or splash more than they need to.

When water in the ears becomes a problem

Trapped water is usually a nuisance rather than a worry. But because the canal is warm and moist, leftover water can occasionally lead to irritation or an outer-ear infection, sometimes called swimmer’s ear. This is a general health matter rather than a swimming-technique one, so treat the following as a prompt to seek proper medical advice rather than a diagnosis.

Consider seeing a doctor or pharmacist if you notice:

The blocked feeling lasts more than a day or two despite the techniques above.
Ear pain, itching, redness or a feeling of fullness that gets worse.
Any discharge, a bad smell, or reduced hearing.
Fever, or pain when you tug the earlobe.

A pharmacist can advise on over-the-counter drying drops for the outer ear, and a doctor can examine the canal properly if there is pain or possible infection. Anyone with grommets, a perforated eardrum, or a history of ear surgery should check with their doctor before using earplugs or drops, as the usual advice may not apply to them. When symptoms persist, please see a healthcare professional rather than relying on home methods.

Helping children who hate the blocked-ear feeling

Young swimmers can find a plugged ear distressing, and that worry sometimes spills over into reluctance to put their face in the water at all. We find it helps to stay calm, talk them through the tilt-and-tug method, and make drying-off part of the end-of-lesson routine so it feels normal rather than alarming. Comfort and confidence in the water go hand in hand, and a child who is relaxed is far less likely to swallow or inhale water in the first place.

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad to have water in your ears after swimming?

For most people it is harmless and clears within minutes using gentle tilting and tugging. It only becomes a concern if it lingers for a day or more, or if you develop pain, itching or discharge, which can point to irritation or infection that a doctor should check.

How long does it take for water to drain from the ear?

Usually just a few minutes, and often the moment you tilt your head and pull the earlobe. If it is still blocked after a day despite trying the techniques here, see a doctor or pharmacist.

Can I use cotton buds to dry my ears after swimming?

No. Cotton buds push wax and water deeper, can scratch the canal and may damage the eardrum. Dry only the outer ear with a soft towel, and let the canal air-dry naturally.

Do swimming earplugs really work?

Well-fitting soft silicone or moulded earplugs keep most water out and are the simplest prevention for swimmers who get blocked ears often. Pairing them with a snug swim cap pulled over the ears works even better.

What is swimmer’s ear and how do I avoid it?

Swimmer’s ear is an irritation or infection of the outer ear canal, often linked to water sitting in the ear. You reduce the risk by drying your ears well after every swim, using earplugs, and not poking objects into the canal. If you suspect an infection, see a doctor.

Should my child stop swimming if they keep getting water in their ears?

Usually not. Earplugs, a snug cap and a good drying routine solve it for most children. If your child has recurring ear pain or infections, check with your doctor before the next lesson for tailored advice.

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