Things You'll Need
Towel
Pillow
Vinegar
Alcohol
Ear dropper
When you swim in the ocean, there is a great chance that you may get saltwater in your ears. For some people, this may be no big deal, as it drains easily on its own. However, for some, it can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. If left for too long, it may cause an infection. This is why it's important to know a couple of methods to get saltwater out of ears, while in the comfort of your own home.
Gravity
Dry your outer ear with a towel.
Tilt your head so that the water-filled ear is facing downward.
Hold a towel directly beneath your ear and remain in that position for several minutes.
Pull on your earlobe and move it around. This will move the outer-ear so that it may open your ear canal wider and make it easier for the water to drain out. If you are uncomfortable sitting or standing in this position, try lying in bed instead. Lie so that you water-filled ear is downward and your head is resting on a pillow. Remain like this for several minutes.
Home Solution
If these methods do not work and it becomes uncomfortable, please see a doctor.
Mix 1 tsp. of vinegar with 1 tsp. of alcohol.
Drop 3 or 4 drops of the solution into your ear.
Allow it to sit in there for 2 or 3 minutes. The idea is that the alcohol and vinegar solution will evaporate the water and kill any bacteria or infection that the trapped water may have caused.
Tilt your head so that the water-filled ear is facing downward.
Wipe your outer ear with a towel to dry any remaining water or solution draining out.
Warnings
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Tobias Starr has been writing professionally since 2010. Her specialties include fashion/beauty articles, literary analysis pieces and the occasional commentary on cultural issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in speech communication and a Master of Arts in secondary education, both from Morehead State University.