If you don’t want to mix your own, pharmacy brands like Swim-EAR use a similar drying agent (anhydrous glycerin or alcohol). Follow the package instructions carefully. When to See a Doctor Most water dislodges within a few hours. However, if you experience pain, redness, swelling, discharge (especially yellow or green), or hearing loss that persists for more than 48 hours, you may have developed swimmer's ear.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of a perfect summer day: the sun on your shoulders, the scent of chlorine or salt spray, and the weightless joy of a good swim. But often, as you towel off and head for a lounge chair, an unwelcome souvenir remains. That annoying, tickling, or muffling sensation of water sloshing deep in your ear canal.

This is the gold standard for swimmers. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to one part rubbing alcohol (isopropyl). Using a clean dropper, place one or two drops into the affected ear. Tilt your head for 30 seconds, then let it drain out. The alcohol binds with the water and evaporates quickly, while the vinegar changes the pH of the canal to prevent bacterial growth. Note: Do not use this if you have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, or active pain.

Set a hairdryer to its lowest, coolest setting. Hold it about 12 inches (30 cm) from your ear and wave it gently back and forth. The gentle breeze can evaporate the water without risking heat damage to your skin.

Close your mouth, pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers, and gently exhale through your nose. You should hear a soft "pop" as the Eustachian tubes open. While this is usually for pressure, the slight change in ear canal volume can sometimes dislodge water. Do not do this forcefully if you have a cold or sinus congestion.