Water leakage in the ear
Although the most important reason for water leakage is swimming, any situation where the ear canal is exposed to water can cause discomfort. Normally produced in the ear and known as earwax, called serum, prevents water from escaping into the ear. But in some cases, water escapes deep into the ear and accumulates here.
In case of water leakage to the ear, a tickling sensation may be seen in the ear canal extending to the jaw bone and throat. Hearing is also affected and the sound is heard only muffled. Usually the water drains by itself. However, if ejaculation does not occur, water accumulated in the external ear can cause ear inflammation. This type of ear infection in the outer ear canal is called the swimmer's ear or otitis externa.
What are the symptoms of water leakage?
Sometimes after swimming, diving or bathing, water may remain in the ears and cause some symptoms and complaints. Leaking water can affect one or two ears and cause hearing loss. Some of the symptoms that can be seen are as follows:
Fullness and discomfort in the ear
Tickling sensation to the jawbone
Tinnitus
If the ear develops an external ear canal infection called swimmer's ear due to fluid;
Itching in the ear
pain
erythema
Swelling
Transparent, yellow, bloody, or smelly discharge from the ear
Dry skin and flaking around the outer ear
Fire
Symptoms such as pain may occur in the soft tissues around the ear.
What are the risks of ear leakage?
If water stays in the ear for a long time, there is an increased risk of external ear inflammation. The infection is usually caused by bacteria found in polluted waters. Those swimming in waters containing high levels of bacteria, such as lakes, are at greater risk of infection. Swimming pools are safer as bacteria and pH levels are usually checked regularly. The risk of otitis externa is higher in people with a chronic skin condition in the ear, such as psoriasis or eczema, compared to the normal population. The ear has various defense mechanisms against infections. Conditions that affect these defense mechanisms increase the risk of inflammation. The following increases the risk of infection if water enters the ear:
Scratches or injuries to the ear canal
Allergic reaction to hair care products or jewelry used
How does water leak?
Water in the ear often discharges on its own and rarely requires intervention. However, if the water stays in the ear for a long time and is left untreated, it may cause some unpleasant consequences. The structure of the ear provides a dark and humid environment in which fungi or bacteria can develop, triggering the development of infection. External ear infection, also known as external ear infection, can cause swelling, irritation and discomfort in the ear canal. Various methods can be used to remove water escaping the ear. The most commonly used methods are;
Gently pull or shake the earlobe. This method can allow water to drain from your ear quickly. It may be effective to gently pull or shake the earlobe when the head is in the tilted position from side to shoulder.
Shaking the head from left to right can also be useful for draining water.
Lie down. With this technique, gravity is utilized to help water flow through the ear. Laying on the ear for a few minutes can help flow the water. A towel should be placed on the floor to absorb the running water.
A few drops of water drip into the ear. This technique may sound unreasonable, but it is actually effective in draining the water in the ear. For application, lay side by side, drop a few drops of water to the affected ear using a clean dropper. After waiting for five seconds, the ear is turned upside down to allow the water to drain and wait for all the water in the ear to flow.
How to remove the escaping water?
Some other self-employed applications to remove water escaping the ear include;
To create a vacuum in the ear: In this method, the head is first tilted sideways and the palm is firmly pressed against the ear to form a tight seal. The hand is then moved to the ear by applying slight pushing force back and forth. This method generates a vacuum force which can draw water out. It is useful to tilt the head downward after the treatment to ensure that the water is drained.
Applying a hot compress: Water can sometimes get stuck in the eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the area just behind the nasal canals. A hot compress can help drain water from the Eustachian tube. For this purpose hot; but non-boiling water should be used. Wet the cloth with hot water and apply to the ear. During hot application, the head bends to the side of the affected ear. The cloth is applied to the outer part of the ear and after waiting for about 30 seconds, it is suspended for about one minute. The process is repeated four or five times. Then lying on the unobstructed ear side can help drain the water.
Using a hair dryer: The hot air blow by the hair dryer can help evaporate the water in the ear canal. Application should be done by bringing the blow dryer to the lowest setting. The machine is held at a distance of about 30 cm to the ear and drying is performed with back and forth movements. Pulling the earlobe down helps warm air reach the outer ear canal.
Stretching or chewing gum: Moving the mouth in case of water accumulation in the Eustachian tube can sometimes help to drain the water. It may be effective to chew and gum to relieve the tension in the Eustachian tube. Then the head can be discharged by tilting the head to the side.
Performing Valsalva maneuver: In this method, air is released in the ears after closing the mouth and nose holes. Care must be taken not to blow too hard during the maneuver. Because this could damage the eardrum. This method can also help to open closed eustachian tubes. After performing the maneuver, it should be leaned head to head to allow water to flow from the ear.
Hot steam: May help drain water from eustachian tubes in the middle ear. A hot shower or a mini-sauna with a bowl of hot water can benefit. A large bowl for the mini sauna is filled with hot water. To keep the steam inside, the head is covered with a towel and the face is held on the container. The vapor is inhaled for 5 to 10 minutes and then tilted head to side to empty the ear.
How to prevent water leakage?
A good way to prevent water from leaking into the ear is to use a cap or ear plugs when bathing or swimming. It can also be effective to dry the ears thoroughly with a dry towel after getting out of the water. Doctors recommend that people who are engaged in water sports or who often spend time in water wear ear plugs. Shaking the head from one side to the other after coming out of the water helps evacuate the water escaping to the ears.
What to do in case of water leakage?
If the methods you use to remove water from the ear do not work, inserting an ear stick, finger, or any other object into the ear will do more harm than good. Doing so may make the situation worse;
Addition of bacteria to the region
Water pushing deeper into the ear
Injury to ear canal
Perforation of the eardrum
When to consult a doctor?
Water escaping to the ear usually discharges on its own. If the water in the ear is disturbing the person, the aforementioned home treatments can be tried. However, if the water is still absent after two to three days, or if there are signs of infection, contact a health care provider.
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