: Use drying drops that contain isopropyl alcohol to help moisture evaporate, but only if you do not have a perforated eardrum or ear tubes. When to See a Doctor
Sometimes, pressure changes while swimming or diving can damage the eardrum. If your muffled hearing is accompanied by , or bloody discharge , you may have a punctured (perforated) eardrum.
Before you reach for a cotton swab, try these safe and effective methods to remove trapped water.
A fever indicates that an infection may be spreading beyond the local ear canal. muffled hearing after swimming patched
Tilt your head to the side and gently tug on your earlobe to straighten the canal.
Drying drops containing isopropyl alcohol and anhydrous glycerin are widely available at pharmacies. They work by binding to the water molecules and accelerating evaporation. What to Avoid: The Danger of Cotton Swabs
By understanding the mechanics of your ears and treating them gently after a swim, you can quickly clear up muffled hearing and protect your long-term auditory health. : Use drying drops that contain isopropyl alcohol
Do not insert objects into your ear. Instead, try to encourage the water to drain:
Less common but more serious causes include a middle ear infection (otitis media), which occurs behind the eardrum and is not directly caused by water in the canal but can be triggered by pressure changes and is more common in children, or a condition called surfer's ear (exostoses), which is a bony growth in the ear canal due to repeated cold water exposure.
You develop a fever or noticeable swelling around the ear or neck. Before you reach for a cotton swab, try
By understanding whether your muffled hearing is a simple water blockage or a sign of inflammation, you can take the right steps to get your hearing back to 100%.
Muffled hearing after swimming is usually caused by water trapped in the ear canal or an infection known as swimmer's ear