ways to drain fluid, prevention tips

Whether in the ocean or in a pool, swimming is a fun summer activity. According to liveabout.com, there are 10.4 million private and 309,000 public swimming pools in America.

According to UNC Healthcare, millions of people are diagnosed with otitis externa, better known as swimmer’s ear, every year. According to the CDC, most often swimmer’s ear is caused by water remaining in the ear for too long. To prevent swimming ears and general discomfort, how do you get water out of your ear?

How do you get water out of your ear

Healthline explains 12 different ways you can get water out of your ear. Some are more self-explanatory than others, while others require more steps: .

1. Shake your head and wiggle your earlobe.
2. Lie on one side and let gravity pull the water out.
3. Create a vacuum to suck the water out of your ear. Tilt your head to the side and place your ear in your palm. Enclose your palm and create a tight seal. Quickly slide your hand back and forth in your ear. Tilt your head down and let the water drain
4. Use a blow dryer on the lowest setting. Be sure to keep the dryer a foot away from your face.
5. Alcohol and vinegar drops. Combine equal parts alcohol and vinegar to make your own ear drops. Put three to four drops in your ear. Wait 30 seconds before emptying your ear.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide Drops. Healthline does not recommend this method if you have signs of injury or infection, an otitis media, a perforated eardrum or tympanic tube.
7. Warm drops of olive oil.
8. More water.
9. Over-the-counter ear drops.
10. yawning or chewing.
11. The Valsalva maneuver. First, take a deep breath and close your nostrils tightly with your fingers. Exhale your nose slowly.
12. Use steam. Fill a large bowl with hot running water. Then cover your head with a towel and lay your face over a bowl. Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes, then tilt your head to release the water.

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This will prevent water from getting into your ear

WebMD offers six simple solutions to avoid getting water in your ear.

1. Take off your earplugs when you’re sweaty.
2. Cover a cotton ball with petroleum jelly and place it in your outer ears during a bath.
3. Block your ears with cotton balls when using hairspray or hair dye.
4. Use earplugs or a swim cap when entering the water.
5. Have your earwax removed by a doctor. Too much earwax can trap water in your ear canal.
6. Use hydrogen peroxide to remove your wax buildup only with a doctor’s permission.