## How to Get Water Out of Ears After Scuba Diving
When water gets trapped in your ears after scuba diving, it can be uncomfortable and even painful. The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to get the water out.
### Causes of Water in Ears After Scuba Diving
There are a few reasons why water can get trapped in your ears after scuba diving.
Improper equalization. When you dive, the pressure of the water increases as you go deeper. In order to avoid damage to your ears, you need to equalize the pressure in your ears by swallowing or yawning. If you don’t equalize properly, water can get trapped in your ears.
A blocked Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is a small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, it can prevent water from draining out of the ears.
A perforated eardrum. A perforated eardrum is a hole in the eardrum. If you have a perforated eardrum, water can easily get into your middle ear and cause an infection.
### Symptoms of Water in Ears After Scuba Diving
The symptoms of water in ears after scuba diving can include:
Mild discomfort
A feeling of fullness in the ears
Earache
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Vertigo (izziness)
### How to Get Water Out of Ears After Scuba Diving
If you have water in your ears after scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to try to get it out.
Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver is a simple exercise that can help to equalize the pressure in your ears and dislodge water. To do the Valsalva maneuver, pinch your nose closed and blow gently through your nose.
Toynbee maneuver. The Toynbee maneuver is another exercise that can help to equalize the pressure in your ears. To do the Toynbee maneuver, swallow while pinching your nose closed.
Steam. Steam can help to thin mucus and make it easier for water to drain out of your ears. To use steam to clear your ears, boil some water and place it in a bowl. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes.
Olive oil. Olive oil can help to lubricate the ear canal and make it easier for water to drain out. To use olive oil to clear your ears, warm a few drops of olive oil and tilt your head to the side. Drop the oil into your ear and let it sit for a few minutes.
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can help to kill bacteria and dry out the ear canal. To use hydrogen peroxide to clear your ears, mix a few drops of hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water. Tilt your head to the side and drop the solution into your ear. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse your ear with water.
### When to See a Doctor
If you have tried the above methods and you are still unable to get the water out of your ears, you should see a doctor. You may have a blocked Eustachian tube or a perforated eardrum.
## Prevention
There are a few things you can do to prevent water from getting trapped in your ears after scuba diving.
Equalize properly. When you dive, be sure to equalize the pressure in your ears by swallowing or yawning.
Use earplugs. Earplugs can help to keep water out of your ears.
Tilt your head. After you dive, tilt your head to the side to help water drain out of your ears.
## Conclusion
If you get water in your ears after scuba diving, don’t panic. There are a few simple steps you can take to get the water out. If you have tried the above methods and you are still unable to get the water out of your ears, you should see a doctor.
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