Got water out of ear, but still can't hear.

In My Humble Opinion
1

Got water stuck in my ear yesterday, tried multiple ways to get it out but just ended up going to bed with it still stuck in there. I think it’s out now, but I still can’t hear for shit in the affected ear. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Did a drop of water ruin my hearing? Let me know.

2

Possibly in the act of trying to get the water out you pushed ear wax farther in or in a configuration such that it impeded hearing.

This works for me: https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/squip-kyrosol-ear-wax-removal-system-1-kit/sqp1001?mr:trackingCode=A0495D84-C9E0-E511-80ED-00505694403D&mr:referralID=NA&sourceType=sc&source=SHOP&acqsource=adlucent&utm_source=Shopping&utm_medium=CSE&utm_campaign=Squip&utm_content=SQP1001&gclid=CM6C8-6q5dECFQRsfgodXuwNzQ

3

I had water trapped in my ear once that caused an infection and something called “glue ear.” You really need to see a doctor, preferably an ENT (ear-nose-throat specialist), also called otolaryngologist. Glue ear sometimes requires antibiotics to go away.

As I understand it glue ear is rare in adults, but not impossible, while being fairly common in children.

Another possibility is that your eardrum (or the wall of your ear around the eardrum) is inflamed either from trauma (caused by the water, or your attempts to extract it) or from a reaction to something in the water, and so it is not vibrating freely. Again, an ENT can confirm this, and possibly prescribe something to relieve the inflammation, or at least reassure you that you just need to wait a few days.

4

Since this involves medical advice, let’s move it to IMHO.

Colibri
General Questions Moderator

5

Thanks for the info mate, you seem to know what you’re talking about. Think I’ll make an appointment with an ENT, can’t risk damaged hearing with my work. Even if it is nothing, it’d be nice to know. Have a good one :slight_smile:

6

I once had water in my ear, and I couldn’t clear it. My doctor flushed my ear, and got out a bolus of wax.

See your doctor.

7

I have incredibly narrow ear canals.

I ended up at an ENT. First, she used a “microscope” (think dental X-ray machine) - to manipulate a suction (NOT pressure) to remove the wax the Q-tip had pushed further down the canal.

Yes, you really, really should not use a Q-tip in your ear.

Then: Always wear earplugs (the silicone blob style is best) when showering.

I bought an “ear cleaning kit” with the drops and a tiny syringe.

Never put any liquid in the ear canal.

In your case, the water (I’m guessing*) softened the natural wax - it IS supposed to be there - thus turning it into a sticky stuff which can hold the canal closed.
This is where that tiny syringe comes in handy.
Squeeze the bulb and then put it gently, gently, onto the canal. releasing the bulb creates a mini vacuum to suck out the softened wax,
When you wash the bulb, make sure the hole is pointed down to drain - any moisture will promote the growth of mold/mildew/crud.

The ENT wanted me to drive across town every three months to have her clean my ears.

With my own suction device, I"ll chance it.

    • based on my experience
8

My doc had me use Hydrogen Peroxide to soften ear wax. Just pour it in your ear and lie on your side for 15-20 minutes and let it do its thing. Have a towel ready; when you roll over the hydrogen peroxide and (hopefully) the wax will come out easily.

If it’s REALLY stuck, you can use an ear syringe to apply gentle pressure to get it out.