How to Drain Water Out of Ears After Swimming

Retaining water in the ear after swimming is a common problem and can lead to complications such as swimmer's ear or deep ear infections. There are over-the-counter solutions to treat water in the ear but they are no more effective than a simple combination of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar prepared at home. Use this technique to drain water from the ear quickly and simply.

Things You'll Need

• towel
• rubbing alcohol
• white vinegar
• medicine dropper

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Instructions

• 1

  Tilt head to the side and tug earlobe to straighten the ear canal and release trapped water. Repeat on the other side.

• 2

  Lie on your side with a towel under your head. Pull the earlobe to straighten the ear canal. With a medicine dropper, squeeze a solution of 1/2 rubbing alcohol and 1/2 white vinegar into the ear. You should hear a gentle crackling or pop as this mixture evaporates trapped water. Tilt head to drain the fluids.

• 3

  Repeat on the other side.