If you swim frequently, taking proactive steps can keep your ears clear and healthy.
His mom looked back, smiling. "Did you say something, honey?"
– Pinch nose, gently blow with mouth closed. muffled ear after swimming
| Symptom | Implication | |---------|--------------| | spreading to jaw/neck | Malignant otitis externa (diabetics, immunocompromised) | | Vertigo (room spinning) + muffling | Perilymph fistula or labyrinthitis | | Facial weakness or numbness | Severe infection involving cranial nerve VII | | Blood or pus from ear | Tympanic membrane perforation | | Muffling after diving >3 meters | Possible barotrauma or round window rupture | | Failed hearing return after 1 week | Chronic effusion or cholesteatoma |
swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)—an infection where bacteria or fungi thrive in the warm, damp environment. Immediate Fixes to Clear Trapped Water If you feel that "underwater" sensation right after your swim, try these gravity-based and physical methods: The Gravity Tilt: Lean your head toward the affected shoulder and gently tug on your earlobe to straighten the canal, allowing water to escape. Vacuum Effect: Press the palm of your hand tightly over your ear to form a seal, then gently push and pull to create a vacuum that may dislodge the water. The Pillow Method: Lie on your side for a few minutes with the clogged ear facing down on a towel; gravity will often do the work for you. Jaw Movement: Yawning or chewing gum can help open the If you swim frequently, taking proactive steps can
– Gently pull earlobe up and back.
The sun had been a relentless, gloriously golden tyrant all afternoon, forcing everyone at the municipal pool into the water just to survive. For eleven-year-old Leo, the day had been a series of cannonballs, underwater races, and aggressive games of "Shark in the Middle." The Pillow Method: Lie on your side for
The feeling of having a muffled ear after swimming is a common phenomenon that can be both frustrating and alarming. You're not alone if you've ever experienced a dull, blocked sensation in one or both ears after a dip in the pool or a surf session. But what causes this sensation, and more importantly, how can you alleviate it?