What to Do If Water Gets in Your Ear?

Small daily issues can lead to bigger problems, like when water gets into your ear during a bath. How harmful can this be and what should you do?

ENT Specialist Dr. Shiv Shankar Pal offers some solutions. Children's Ear Health

Highlights:

1. What to do if water gets into children's ears?
2. What to do if water gets into your ear?
3. Are ear buds harmful to your ears?

Can Water in the Ear Be Harmful?  Water in Ear Remedies

Water can enter the ear during baths, swimming in pools, ponds, or the sea. Each situation poses different risks:

• Sea Water: Sea water is salty and can harm your skin. If it enters your ear, it can cause sand to collect and react with the skin, leading to a heavy feeling and pain in the ear.

• Swimming Pool Water: Pool water contains chlorine, which is not good for the skin. Even though the chlorine levels are controlled, it can still cause irritation and fungal infections, especially in children.

• Pond Water: Pond water is often not clean and contains bacteria and fungi. If it enters the ear, it can cause infections.

• Home Water: The water used at home is not always safe. If the water tank is dirty, bacteria can get into the water and cause fungal infections if it enters the ear.

What to Do If Water Gets in Your Ear?

Most of the time, water will come out on its own. If it doesn’t, follow these steps:

• Wipe around the ear.
• Pull the earlobe down and shake your head to help the water drain out.
• If that doesn’t work, gently insert a clean ear bud or a cotton-tipped stick into the ear. The cotton will absorb the water.

Are Ear Buds Harmful?

Ear buds can be harmful if not used correctly:

• Low-Quality Ear Buds: They can break and get stuck in the ear.
• Inserting Too Deep: It can puncture the eardrum.
• Pushing Dirt Inside: Ear buds can push earwax deeper into the ear.

To prevent buildup, clean your ears regularly.

What to Do If Water Gets into Children's Ears?

Children under one year can have pus in their ears if not fed correctly, especially when lying down. A tube from the ear to the nose can allow milk to enter the ear, causing infection.

• When breastfeeding, hold the baby slightly upright to prevent milk from entering the ear.
• When bathing children, cover their ears with your hands to prevent water from entering. If water does enter, consult a doctor.

By following these tips, you can manage and prevent ear issues caused by water.