How many times have you come out of the pool or shower and felt like there’s still water in your ears? It’s a common problem that can cause discomfort and even lead to infection if left untreated.

Luckily, there are several effective ways to remove water from your ears.

1. Tilt your head

One of the easiest ways to get water out of your ears is to tilt your head to the side and let it drain out. You can also gently pull on your earlobe to help it come out.

2. Use gravity

Lie down on your side with the affected ear facing down. The water should drain out naturally due to gravity. You can also gently wiggle your ear to help the water come out.

3. Create a vacuum

To create a vacuum, tilt your head and gently pull on your earlobe to open the ear canal. Then, place the palm of your hand over your ear and press it against your head.

Quickly lift your hand away from your head, which should create a vacuum that can suck out the water.

4. Use a hairdryer

If you’re in a hurry and need to get the water out quickly, you can use a hairdryer. Set it to the lowest heat setting and hold it about a foot away from your ear. Gently blow air into your ear for a few minutes until the water evaporates.

5. Try the “Valsalva maneuver”

The Valsalva maneuver is a method of equalizing pressure in your ears. To do it, pinch your nose shut and gently blow air out through your nose as if you’re blowing your nose. This should help push the water out of your ears.

6. Use olive oil

Olive oil can help soften the wax in your ear and make it easier to remove the water. Warm a small amount of olive oil in a bowl, then use a dropper to put a few drops in your ear.

Wait a few minutes, then tilt your head to let the oil and water drain out.

7. Use rubbing alcohol and vinegar

A mixture of rubbing alcohol and vinegar can help eliminate bacteria and dry out the water in your ears. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, then use a dropper to put a few drops in your ear. Tilt your head to let it drain out.

8. Use a water removal earplug

You can also try using a water removal earplug, which is specifically designed to remove water from your ear. It creates a vacuum that draws the water out of your ear canal.

9. Use over-the-counter ear drops

There are several over-the-counter ear drops that can help remove water from your ears, such as Swim-Ear and Mack’s Dry-n-Clear. Follow the instructions carefully and tilt your head to let the water drain out.

10. See a doctor

If none of these methods work or if you experience pain, discomfort, or hearing loss, it’s important to see a doctor. They can determine if there’s an infection or other underlying condition that needs to be treated.