Do this soon after you’re exposed to water to keep it from migrating further into your middle or inner ear.
If the water’s still there at bedtime, try sleeping on your side that night so the liquid can naturally work its way out by the morning.
After you hear the “pop” of the water clearing, shake your head a little bit to encourage the water to move through your ear canal.
Make extra sure to tilt your ear down. If it’s facing up, you’ll wind up pushing the water deeper into your ear canal. Try rubbing your hand in a circular motion while you’re holding the vacuum to massage the liquid out (especially if you’re hearing is muffled by the water). Alternatively, move your finger in and out of your ear rapidly for a few seconds. Just be careful not to scratch your ear canal, since this could cause an infection.
Tilt your head to the side if the maneuver doesn’t work upright. The light pressure will force liquid out through your middle ear. Try blowing your nose for a similar effect. The Valsalva maneuver helps remove liquid or small objects from your middle ear that shouldn’t be there (and can slow your heart rate, too).
If the warm air is too hot, use cool air instead. Any focused “breeze” will help dry out your inner ear.
Since water and oil don’t mix, the oil will help drive the water away and out of your ear. Olive oil can also be used to clean your ear of earwax.
Use this method to treat frequent swimmer’s ear (an infection in the outer ear canal from water sitting in your ear). The rubbing alcohol mixes with the water and evaporates it quickly. The vinegar breaks down earwax and kills bacteria to prevent an infection. Don’t use this method if you’ve got a punctured eardrum or ear tubes. Rubbing alcohol is meant for external use only.
Use drying drops or a hair dryer afterward to make sure there’s no liquid left in your ear. Do not use hydrogen peroxide in your ears if you have an ear infection, ear tubes, or a punctured eardrum.
Don’t use these drops if you have ear tubes or a ruptured eardrum. These drops are generally safe for adults and children.
Water-caused infections are completely treatable. The infection will probably begin to pass after a few days and be mostly cleared up after about a week.
