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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Unblock An Ear?

i went swimming on friday and felt my ear pop whilst diving to about 6 feet. now my ear feels blocked as though there is water trapped i am hard of hearing and there is some discomfort when trying to equalise there is a high pitched whistle and no relief. can you help?
Mon, 2 Mar 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi, I am Dr.Shreyash Mehta, MD Community Medicine

I understood your query I hope my answer will solve your query

As you told that water got filled inside your ear canal on Friday.

You can try this physical manipulation:
Water in your ear is trapped in the ear canal, which dips downward, making it difficult for the water to drain.
You can help coax the water out by grasping your earlobe and pulling it down. At the same time, tilt your ear toward your shoulder.
In many cases, you'll feel the water drain out. Dry the ear with a towel.

Other tricks:
cupping your ear with the palm of your hand and pumping inward,

jumping on one leg with the water-filled ear tilted to the ground or

just chewing gum.

Rest your head on a pillow or go to sleep with your ear turned downward. Lie down on your side, with the ear that has fluid caught in it resting on a pillow. Gravity can help force the fluid out of the ear.

These actions may create a pressure change and draw the water out

Never try to insert an object into the ear canal, such as a cotton swab, pencil or anything else. Doing so could drive ear wax further into the ear canal, blocking it and worsening the problem.

You may use oral decongestants like Tab.Phenylephrine Hydrochloride and Tab. Paracetamol for symptomatic relief.

If this problem does not solve with in a week you may consult your physician.
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How To Unblock An Ear?

Hi, I am Dr.Shreyash Mehta, MD Community Medicine I understood your query I hope my answer will solve your query As you told that water got filled inside your ear canal on Friday. You can try this physical manipulation: Water in your ear is trapped in the ear canal, which dips downward, making it difficult for the water to drain. You can help coax the water out by grasping your earlobe and pulling it down. At the same time, tilt your ear toward your shoulder. In many cases, you ll feel the water drain out. Dry the ear with a towel. Other tricks: cupping your ear with the palm of your hand and pumping inward, jumping on one leg with the water-filled ear tilted to the ground or just chewing gum. Rest your head on a pillow or go to sleep with your ear turned downward. Lie down on your side, with the ear that has fluid caught in it resting on a pillow. Gravity can help force the fluid out of the ear. These actions may create a pressure change and draw the water out Never try to insert an object into the ear canal, such as a cotton swab, pencil or anything else. Doing so could drive ear wax further into the ear canal, blocking it and worsening the problem. You may use oral decongestants like Tab.Phenylephrine Hydrochloride and Tab. Paracetamol for symptomatic relief. If this problem does not solve with in a week you may consult your physician.