Table of contents:
- Do not do this to treat the water in the ear
- 1. Using cotton bud
- 2. Picking the ear with a finger
- 3. Use ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide
- When to see a doctor
The ears often enter water when swimming or bathing. As a result, the ear feels full of blockage so that hearing seems hidden. Water trapped in the ear canal can also cause an unpleasant sensation. There are many ways to deal with water ingested ears, but you should not do the following things, huh!
Do not do this to treat the water in the ear
When the ear gets in the water, the first thing to remember is don't panic. Relax, the water that enters will not be inside forever.
When you panic, you can actually do things that shouldn't be done, such as:
1. Using cotton bud
According to Dr. Yu-Tu Wong an otologist (ear specialist), uses cotton bud or earplugs to deal with the water in the ear can actually make things worse.
Cotton swabs can push the wax and water deeper, making it harder to remove, and can actually get trapped inside.
In addition, earplugs can also cause the eardrum to puncture. When the eardrum is injured or even ruptured, you can experience hearing loss.
In severe cases, cotton swabs can also damage the many nerves behind the ear canal. If this happens, the effects are quite severe, such as total deafness, prolonged vertigo with nausea and vomiting, loss of sensation, and facial paralysis.
Instead of pushing the water out, you can actually experience a variety of serious hearing problems.
2. Picking the ear with a finger
When you feel water in your ear, you may spontaneously overcome this by scraping your ear with your finger. In fact, this method is completely unjustified.
Picking out the ear with long fingers and nails can injure the delicate tissue in the ear canal. This can actually cause ear infections and prolonged pain.
Therefore, keep your fingers away from your ears while being in the water.
3. Use ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide
A hydrogen peroxide solution can help soften trapped earwax and clogging of the ear canal.
Unfortunately, you should not use this product as a remedy for water-ingested ears if:
- Have an external ear infection
- The eardrum is ruptured or damaged
Ask your doctor about other ear drops that are safer for you.
When to see a doctor
You can do this at home when you have ingested water in your ears. Several ways that can be done, namely:
- Shaking the head from side to side or tilting it sideways down towards the shoulder
- Tilt your head to the side while covering your ears to create a vacuum that can draw water out
- Compress the ear with warm water for about 30 seconds and repeat 4 to 5 times
- Evaporates trapped water by directing hair dryer towards the ear from a distance that is not too close
If the methods above have been done but the water does not come out, you can consult a doctor. Especially if there are other signs such as:
- Ear infections have not gone away for 10 to 14 days after using antibiotic ear drops
- Hearing loss in the area of the ear that has been drained of water
Don't delay getting checked out so that your doctor can immediately find the most appropriate treatment for you.
Photo courtesy of: Hearing Care
