I'm a woman in Texas. I'm married and have a school-aged child. I have a medical background. I'm quite liberal, socially. I love helping people with medical, parenting, and social questions. Don't ask me about tech stuff or finances, because I need advice on those things myself!
Gender: Female
Location: Texas
Age: 34
Member Since: December 17, 2006
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Xenolan
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Hi, I've noticed you have a medical background, and I was wondering if you could help me with a bit of a problem I'm having.
I went swimming today for about an hour, and then again later on for another hour, and I have some water in my left ear, I've tried q-tips, I've tried shaking my head from side to side, because that normally helps and it just comes right out.
But I can't seem to get the water out this time. Do you have any suggestions, or at home remedies I could do to get this water out of my ear. Like, when I move my head from side to side, I can hear it in there. It's driving me insane.
Thanks in advance. (link)
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Ewww... I HATE that!
Yes, that happens all of the time. Qtips are not recommended because you could accidentally damage your eardrum. I never tell any doctors this, but I do it anyway because it's the only thing that can help relieve the itch. There's also a possibility with a qtip that you will push earwax farther into your ear, causing a blockage and muffled hearing.
Here's what I suggest. You can use some plain rubbing alcohol, which helps evaporate water. Just put some in your ear canal and let it drain out the side. Other than that, sleep on your side with that ear down and hopefully it will come out. Be careful if you go in with qtips again. If none of this works, I think there's some swimmer's ear over-the-counter remedies at WalMart or other pharmacies.
Good luck. I hope it gets better soon.
Sabine
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