How to get water out of your ear safely
That sloshing, muffled feeling after swimming or a shower usually clears by itself within hours. A few simple tricks can help it along, and a few common habits make it worse.
Simple ways to drain it
- Tilt and tug: tilt your head so the affected ear faces down, then gently pull your earlobe in different directions to straighten the canal.
- Lie on that side: lie down with the ear on a towel for a few minutes and let gravity do the work.
- Move your jaw: yawn, chew gum or move your jaw from side to side while tilting your head.
- Gentle vacuum: with the ear facing down, cup your palm over it, press gently and release a few times.
- Warm air: use a hairdryer on its lowest, coolest setting, held at arm's length, pointing towards the ear for a minute or so.
What not to do
- Do not use cotton buds, tissues twisted into points, or fingers. They push water and wax deeper and scratch the canal.
- Do not shake your head hard or hit it.
- Do not put drops in if your ear is painful, or if you have a perforated eardrum or grommets.
It is often wax holding the water in. Microsuction clears it without using any water. £60 for both ears.
Why water sometimes will not shift
If water stays trapped for more than a day, the most common reason is earwax. A plug of wax can swell when it gets wet and hold water behind it, leaving the ear feeling blocked and muffled. Narrow or curved ear canals, and bony growths from regular cold water swimming, known as surfer's ear, can also trap water.
Water that stays in the canal softens the skin and can lead to an outer ear infection, known as swimmer's ear. Watch for itching, soreness or discharge.
Preventing it next time
Dry your ears gently after swimming, wear well-fitting swimming earplugs or a cap if you swim often, and keep wax under control with occasional olive oil drops. See our guide to swimming earplugs.
Frequently asked questions.
It usually drains within a few hours. If it lasts more than a day or two, or becomes painful, have your ear checked.
Yes. Water that stays in the canal can lead to otitis externa, an outer ear infection.
Drying drops from a pharmacy can help, but do not use them if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets or a painful ear.
Ear still blocked?
Ear examinations and microsuction in our Birmingham clinic or at home.
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.