How to Safely Get Water Out of Your Ear – Expert Advice from Mackay Ears

If you’ve ever gone for a swim or taken a long shower and walked away with that annoying blocked or sloshy feeling in your ear, you’re not alone. Trapped water in the ear is a common issue that can lead to discomfort, hearing reduction, and in some cases, infection.

At Mackay Ears, we specialise in safe and effective ear care using micro-suction technology—a modern and gentle alternative to traditional ear syringing. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what actually works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to removing water from your ear, and when it’s time to leave it to the experts.

Why Water Gets Trapped in the Ear

Water can get stuck in your ear canal due to:

• Narrow ear canals

• Earwax buildup

• Wearing earbuds or hearing aids

• Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)

When water stays trapped, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to external ear infections—especially in our tropical Mackay climate.

Quick, Doctor-Approved Ways to Get Water Out of Your Ear

Here are safe, evidence-based methods recommended by medical professionals:

1. Tilt & Tug

Tilt your head to the side and gently tug on your earlobe. This can help straighten the ear canal and allow gravity to do the work.

2. Gravity and Jaw Movements

Chewing or yawning can shift your ear canal enough to dislodge the trapped water. Combine this with tilting your head for extra effectiveness.

3. Use a Hair Dryer on Low

Set a blow dryer to the lowest heat setting and hold it about 30cm away from your ear. Gently move it back and forth while pulling your earlobe. The warm air can help evaporate the water.

4. Evaporating Drops (if no infection)

Use a few drops of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar (equal parts) to help dry the ear and prevent bacterial growth. Only use this if you do not have a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or ongoing infection.

Avoid:

 Inserting cotton buds
 Ear candles
 Pressurising the ear with suction or rapid movements

These can cause further blockage, injury, or push water and wax deeper into the canal. Mackayears help you get rid of earwax buildup when it becomes a problem. Our professionals use medicines that soften the wax, saline drops, or micro-suction earwax removal procedures in the clinic.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re still feeling blocked after 24–48 hours, or experiencing:

• Pain

• Hearing loss

• Itchiness

• Discharge or bad smell

…it’s time to consult a professional. Persistent water retention can lead to swimmer’s ear or worsen existing wax buildup.

When You Should Choose To Visit Mackay Ears?

Trapped water might seem like a small issue, but when ignored, it can lead to big problems. Try the safe, doctor-recommended techniques above—and if that doesn’t work, let Mackay Ears handle it professionally.

Book your appointment today and experience the clear difference with micro-suction.

 Visit us in Mackay at 111 Bedford Rd, Andergrove QLD 4740

 Call: 0405 675 607