What Are the Treatments for Getting Water Out of Your Ear?

Water in the ears, or swimmer's ear, occurs when water gets stuck in the ear canal. Bacteria can then grow, causing an infection. The condition generally occurs in people who are exposed to water that keeps the ears moist, such as swimmers. Symptoms are itching in the ear, redness, drainage and discomfort. If left untreated, the condition can become very painful.

Baby Oil

• Heat a few teaspoons of baby oil and put a couple of drops into the infected ear twice a day. Test the oil to make sure it is not too hot before placing it in the ear canal. Put a cotton ball at the opening of the ear to make sure the oil does not drain out onto clothing or hair. The oil can help soften any impacted wax that may be holding the water in the ear.

Cider Vinegar

• Use a dropper to place a few drops of cider vinegar into the ear. Hold your head sideways to keep the vinegar from draining out. Hold for a few minutes to allow the vinegar to settle in the ear. The vinegar will help to destroy the bacteria and any fungus that has began growing in the ear. Tilt the head over and allow the vinegar to drain out. Do this a few times per day until the water has completely come out of the ear or you are no longer experiencing symptoms.

Garlic

• Grate a medium clove of garlic and cover it with a teaspoon of olive oil. Allow this to sit overnight, then strain out all the garlic pieces with a piece of cheesecloth. Use a dropper to place three drops of the oil into the ear twice a day. Garlic contains strong antibacterial and healing properties.

Heat

• Apply heat to the infected ear. Use a blow dryer on low setting and hold about six to 10 inches away from the ear. Move the dryer in a side-to-side motion. This will evaporate all of the moisture that is inside the ear canal. A heating pad or hot water bottle can also be used to provide relief from the pain of swimmer's ear. Place the pad or bottle on the ear for about 20 minutes. Use a towel between your skin and the heat so you don't burn the skin.