Even if the most common cause of water in the ear is swimming, exposure of the ear canal to water for any reason causes discomfort in the person. The cerumen (known as earwax) produced in the ear prevents water from entering the ear, but in some cases water can still get deep into the ear and accumulate there. This can be very uncomfortable. 

Water in the ear can cause a tickling sensation in the ear canal that can extend to the jawbone and throat. However, the person's hearing is also adversely affected and muffled sounds can be heard due to the water in the ear. In such cases, the water in the ear usually drains spontaneously. However, in the absence of drainage, water accumulating in the external ear canal can cause otitis media. This type of ear infection in the external ear canal is called swimmer's ear or otitis externa.

Symptoms of water in the ear

Sometimes water can remain in the ears after swimming, diving or showering and cause some symptoms and complaints. Water in the ear causes a decrease in hearing. Here are some of the symptoms observed: 

  • Feeling of fullness and discomfort in the ear
  • Tickling sensation extending to the jawbone
  • Tinnitus

If an external ear canal infection called swimmer's ear develops because of fluid in the ear;

  • Itching in the ear
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Transparent, yellow, bloody or foul-smelling discharge from the ear
  • Dryness and flaking of the skin around the outer ear
  • Fire

Symptoms such as pain in the soft tissues around the ear may be observed.

After water in the ear...

Water in the ear usually drains on its own and only in some cases rarely requires intervention. If the water in the ear stays there for a long time and is not treated, it can cause some negative consequences.  The structure of the ear provides a dark and moist environment in which fungi or bacteria can thrive, triggering the development of infection. External otitis media, also known as external ear infection, can cause swelling, irritation and discomfort in the ear canal. Various methods can be used to remove water from the ear. The most commonly used methods are;

  • Gently pulling or shaking the earlobe
  • Shaking the head left and right 
  • Lying on your side

How to remove water in the ear? 

Some other applications that the person can do on his/her own to remove the water in the ear can be listed as follows: 

  • Creating a vacuum in the ear
  • Applying a hot compress
  • Using a hair dryer
  • Yawning or chewing gum
  • Performing the Valsalva maneuver
  • Hot steam