Why does water get stuck in my ears when swimming?

Water can get trapped behind earwax or in the natural curves of your ear canal, held in place by surface tension. It usually feels muffled or tickly. Most of the time it drains on its own or with a simple tilt-and-tug.

Is it bad to leave water in your ear?

A little water usually drains harmlessly, but water left sitting can lead to irritation or an outer-ear infection (swimmer's ear), especially if it happens often. It's worth clearing it gently, and seeing a doctor if it lingers or hurts.

Should I use cotton swabs to dry my ears?

No. Don't push cotton swabs into your ear canal — they can pack earwax deeper, scratch the skin, or damage the eardrum. Dry only the outer ear with a towel and use the gentle methods below for trapped water.

When should I see a doctor about water in my ear?

See a doctor if the blocked feeling lasts more than a day or two, or if you have ear pain, itching, drainage, reduced hearing, or fever — these can be signs of an ear infection that may need treatment.

How to Get Water Out of Your Ears After Swimming

By Jordan Rivers · June 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Knowing how to get water out of your ears after swimming saves you that muffled, tickly, blocked feeling — and helps prevent the irritation that trapped water can cause. The good news is most of the time it clears with a few simple, gentle tricks. This guide covers what works, what to avoid, and when it’s worth seeing a doctor.

The short answer

To get water out of your ears after swimming, tilt your head to the affected side and gently tug your earlobe to straighten the ear canal and let gravity drain it. Hopping on one foot with your head tilted, or moving your jaw by yawning and chewing, often helps too. Dry only the outer ear with a towel — never push cotton swabs into the canal. If the blocked feeling lasts more than a day or comes with pain, see a doctor.

Gentle methods that work

Try these in order — usually one of the first couple does the trick:

Tilt and tug. Tilt your head so the blocked ear faces the ground, and gently pull your earlobe down and back. This straightens the ear canal so gravity can drain the water.
The gravity wait. Lie on your side with the blocked ear down, head resting on a towel, for a few minutes. Water often trickles out on its own.
Move your jaw. Yawn, or make chewing motions. Moving your jaw shifts the tissue around the ear canal and can release trapped water.
The gentle vacuum. Tilt the blocked ear down, cup your palm tightly over it to make a seal, then push in and pull out a few times, tilting your head so the water can fall out as you release.
The hop. With your head tilted to the blocked side, hop on one foot to jostle the water loose.
A warm compress. Hold a warm (not hot) damp cloth against the ear for a bit, then tilt to drain — the warmth can help.
A hair dryer, carefully. On the lowest, coolest setting, held well away from your ear, a little moving air can help evaporate the last bit. Keep it gentle and at a safe distance.

What to avoid

Cotton swabs in the ear canal. Don’t. They push earwax deeper, can scratch the delicate skin, and risk damaging your eardrum. Dry only the outer ear with a towel.
Digging with fingers or anything else. Same risks — keep objects out of the canal.
Ignoring it for days. Water left sitting can lead to swimmer’s ear (an outer-ear infection), especially if it keeps happening.

Preventing it next time

If water in the ears is a regular annoyance, a few things help:

Well-fitting swim gear. Some swimmers use soft silicone earplugs or a snug swim cap that covers the ears.
Dry your ears after every swim with the tilt-and-tug and a towel on the outer ear.
Over-the-counter drying drops (often alcohol-and-vinegar based) exist for swimmers, but skip them — and check with a doctor first — if you have ear pain, drainage, tubes, or a possible perforated eardrum.

When to see a doctor

Water in the ear is usually harmless, but get it checked if you have any of these:

The blocked or muffled feeling lasts more than a day or two.
Ear pain, itching, or tenderness, especially when you tug the ear.
Drainage, reduced hearing, ringing, or a fever.

These can be signs of swimmer’s ear or another ear infection, which may need proper treatment. When in doubt, it’s always fine to get a professional to take a look.

A quick safety note

This is general information, not medical advice. Ears are delicate — be gentle, keep objects out of the canal, and see a healthcare professional for pain, persistent symptoms, or if you have any existing ear condition.

The next small step

Next time you climb out of the pool, make the tilt-and-tug a habit before you even reach for your towel — head to the side, gentle pull on the earlobe, and let gravity do the work. Most of the time, that’s all it takes.

Frequently asked questions

Why does water get stuck in my ears when swimming?: Water can get trapped behind earwax or in the natural curves of your ear canal, held in place by surface tension. It usually feels muffled or tickly. Most of the time it drains on its own or with a simple tilt-and-tug.
Is it bad to leave water in your ear?: A little water usually drains harmlessly, but water left sitting can lead to irritation or an outer-ear infection (swimmer's ear), especially if it happens often. It's worth clearing it gently, and seeing a doctor if it lingers or hurts.
Should I use cotton swabs to dry my ears?: No. Don't push cotton swabs into your ear canal — they can pack earwax deeper, scratch the skin, or damage the eardrum. Dry only the outer ear with a towel and use the gentle methods below for trapped water.
When should I see a doctor about water in my ear?: See a doctor if the blocked feeling lasts more than a day or two, or if you have ear pain, itching, drainage, reduced hearing, or fever — these can be signs of an ear infection that may need treatment.