Few things are more frustrating than stepping out of the pool and feeling that uncomfortable blocked ear sensation—like sound is muffled or you’re underwater. This feeling, often caused by trapped water or earwax swelling, can last minutes, hours, or even days if left untreated.
In this post, we’ll explore why your ears get blocked after water exposure, how to relieve the pressure safely, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Why Do Ears Get Blocked After Water Exposure?
There are 2 common reasons your ears may feel blocked after swimming or showering.
1. Trapped Water in the Ear Canal
Water can get stuck in the curves of your ear canal, especially if it’s narrow or has extra wax. This can create that “plugged” feeling and even lead to infections like swimmer’s ear if not resolved quickly.
2. Swollen Earwax
Water can cause earwax to swell, making it expand and block the canal. You may not even realize you had wax buildup until this happens.
✅ What You Can Do Right Away
Try these safe, expert-recommended methods to relieve blocked ears after water exposure.
1. Tilt and Drain
Tilt your head toward the blocked ear and gently tug your earlobe. Gravity and motion can help the water drain out.
2. Use the “Vacuum” Trick
Place your palm over your ear and press in gently to create a seal, then release quickly. This can create suction to help dislodge trapped water.
3. Dry It Out with a Hair Dryer
Set a hair dryer on low heat and low speed, and hold it about 30 cm from your ear. Gently move it back and forth to help evaporate the moisture.
4. Use an Ear Cleaning Tool with a Camera
If the blockage is caused by swollen earwax, it’s best to use a smart cleaning tool like the Orynoa NE (Series 7) to safely remove the wax with visual guidance—no guessing, no damage.
❌ What Not to Do
Do NOT insert cotton buds into your ears—this can push wax deeper and risk damage.
Avoid over-cleaning or using sharp objects to try and scoop out water or wax.
Don’t ignore it if symptoms persist for more than 2–3 days—this could signal infection or a more serious blockage.
How to Prevent It from Happening Again?
Prevention is key, especially if you swim regularly or take long showers. Here’s how to protect your ears:
Clean your ears regularly with safe, reusable tools like Orynoa™ NE.
Use earplugs when swimming to block water entry.
Avoid ear sprays or oils unless prescribed—they can trap moisture.
Dry your ears thoroughly after bathing or swimming.
Final Thoughts
Blocked ears after showering or swimming are common—but they don’t have to be a regular annoyance. By understanding the causes and using the right techniques, you can clear your ears quickly and safely. And when it comes to wax buildup, having a smart tool like Orynoa NE (Series 7) on hand makes all the difference.