It happens sometimes. The following are our best tips for getting water out of your ear.
First dissolve the salt:
While it may seem somewhat counterproductive, you’ll want to flush your ear with warm water to dissolve the salt crystals. Tilt your head so the problematic ear faces up, and use an eyedropper to fill your ear with water. Now wait ten seconds and then flip over so the water plugged ear faces down. The stuck and added water should drain out. You can also tug on your earlobe a bit to help slosh the water around.
This method usually resolves the issue of water/salt in your ears. If that doesn’t work, try the following to remove water trapped in your ear.
Vinegar and Alcohol Method
Using vinegar and alcohol has the added benefit of keeping bacteria from growing in the ears, which can help prevent ear infections. Mix one part rubbing alcohol with one part vinegar and apply to the inside of the ears with an eye dropper or saturate a cotton ball with the solution. Do not use more than three or four drops at a time. Gently drop the solution into the ear. Wait 30 seconds before tilting your head sideways to allow the ear to drain. The alcohol helps to evaporate water, while the vinegar keeps bacteria at bay
Jiggle it a Little Bit
Though it may sound strange, jiggling the ear can break any seal the stuck water may have formed and allow the water trapped in the ear to drain out. After tilting the head to the side, jiggle the earlobe. If this is not enough, shake your head carefully from side to side to dislodge the water.
Use Gravity
When all else fails, try gravity. Lay on your side with the water plugged ear facing down. Remaining in this position for several minutes can be enough to encourage the water to drain out of the ear.
Hydrogen Peroxide as a last resort!
Hydrogen peroxide can help not only drain water from the ears but also remove earwax, bacteria, and debris. Place four drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the ear canal. Wait about three minutes, then tilt your head to the side with the plugged ear facing down to allow the water to drain. Never use this method if you have or suspect that you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection, or tympanostomy (ear) tubes.