Swimming is a great way of exercising and having fun. However, one of the biggest issues that swimmers face is having their ears clogged. When water gets stuck in your ears, it blocks the ear canal and may lead to infections and other problems.
Fortunately, there are simple ways of unclogging your ear after swimming.
1. Blow-drying
If you’re looking for a quick fix, then blow-drying your ears is one of the best ways to unclog them. Here’s how to do it:.
- Lean your head sideways, so that the affected ear is facing down.
- Turn your blow dryer on the lowest heat setting.
- Hold the dryer about a foot away from your ear and aim the air at your ear for about 30 seconds.
- Repeat the process with the other ear if needed.
Blow-drying helps in evaporating the water present in the ear canal, thereby unclogging the ear.
2. Tilt your head and jiggle
This is another effective way of unclogging your ears after swimming. Here’s how to do it:.
- Tilt your head towards the side of the clogged ear.
- Using your fingers, gently tug your earlobe to move the water out.
- Then, pull your earlobe gently upwards and downwards.
- Repeat this process for 30 seconds until you hear a popping sound in your ear.
When you tilt your head and jiggle, you move the water out of the ear canal, thereby unclogging your ear.
3. Vinegar and alcohol mixture
Another way to unclog your ear after swimming is by using a vinegar and alcohol mixture. Here’s how to do it:.
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- Take equal amounts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
- Mix them in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cotton ball into the mixture and squeeze out the excess liquid.
- Tilt your head so the clogged ear is facing up.
- Use the soaked cotton ball to wipe the inside of your ear gently.
- Wait for a minute and then tilt your head in the opposite direction, so the clogged ear is facing down.
- Repeat the process on the other ear if needed.
This mixture helps in breaking down the water and drying up the ear, thereby unclogging it.
4. Sinus Rinse
Sometimes, the water that is stuck in the ear canal might not be the result of swimming. It could be due to a sinus infection, cold, or allergies.
In such cases, a sinus rinse can help clear the excess mucus, which might be responsible for the clogged ear. Here’s how to do it:.
- Buy a sinus rinse kit from a pharmacy.
- Mix the sinus rinse solution with warm water as per the instructions on the kit.
- Lean your head over the sink and insert the nozzle of the rinse bottle into the clogged nostril.
- Squeeze the bottle gently to allow the solution to enter your nose.
- The solution will come out through the other nostril, carrying with it the excess mucus.
- Repeat the process for the other nostril.
By clearing out the excess mucus, you can ensure that your ear canal remains clear and unclogged.
5. Seek medical attention
If the above remedies don’t work or the clogged ear is due to an infection, it is best to seek medical attention. Your doctor might prescribe eardrops or antibiotics to relieve the discomfort and unclog your ear.
Conclusion
Clogged ears after swimming are a common problem. However, there are simple ways to unclog your ear. These include blow-drying, tilting your head and jiggling, using a vinegar and alcohol mixture, sinus rinse, or seeking medical attention.
By taking care of your ears, you can enjoy swimming without any discomfort or pain.
