If home remedies fail to clear your ear within two to three days, or if you develop additional symptoms, it is essential to see a healthcare provider. Ignoring an infection can lead to serious complications, including long-term infection (chronic otitis externa), and can even spread to other parts of the body.
Set a hair dryer to its lowest heat and speed settings. Hold it about a foot away from your ear and let the warm air blow in for a few minutes to evaporate the moisture. What NOT to Do: The Dangers of Cotton Swabs
If your muffled hearing is caused by swollen earwax, a cotton swab will act like a plunger, compacting the wax tightly against your eardrum and making the blockage much worse. muffled hearing after swimming patched
If you’re feeling the "patch" of muffled sound, try these gentle methods to shake it loose:
When you see a doctor, they will:
Muffled hearing caused by simple water retention should resolve within a day or two. You should seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms: Severe, throbbing pain in the ear or jaw Redness, swelling, or warmth around the outer ear Yellow, green, or foul-smelling fluid draining from the ear Dizziness, vertigo, or a ringing sensation (tinnitus)
Invest in a pair of silicone or putty earplugs specifically designed for swimming to create a watertight seal. If home remedies fail to clear your ear
: These are the #1 doctor-recommended brand in the U.S. for sealing out water. Performance
If you see a doctor for this issue, they will first use an otoscope (a lighted tool) to look inside your ear to pinpoint the cause. Treatment will then target the specific problem: Hold it about a foot away from your
⚠️ Do not use drying drops if you have ear tubes, a hole in your eardrum, or any symptoms of an active infection (like pain or discharge). Doing so can be very painful and cause serious injury.
To help me give you more specific advice on clearing your ear, could you tell me: has your hearing been muffled? Are you experiencing any pain, itching, or fluid drainage ?