Do you have this problem

[diverrick]

I recently mentioned to my wife that every time I dive, I have to hit the side of my head with the palm of my hand, or shake my head sideways vigorously after surfacing in order to get the water out of my ears, so I can hear clearly. She said that she has never experienced this. I always assumed that everyone had the same problem. So the question is do you always have water "stuck" in your outer ear canal after getting out? or is it not a problem for you. I was wondering how many people have this, or know what causes this. I am thinking that that shape of my ear canal holds the water.

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

I recently mentioned to my wife that every time I dive, I have to hit the side of my head with the palm of my hand, or shake my head sideways vigorously after surfacing in order to get the water out of my ears, so I can hear clearly. She said that she has never experienced this. I always assumed that everyone had the same problem. So the question is do you always have water "stuck" in your outer ear canal after getting out? or is it not a problem for you. I was wondering how many people have this, or know what causes this. I am thinking that that shape of my ear canal holds the water.

Hi diverrick,

I suspect the root cause of your problem is earwax partially blocking the external canal. You may also have some dead skin withing the canal. It can build up like onion skin. When water gets in, the dry skin cells expand and entrap the water. Water can become trapped around or behind particles of earwax.

When this happens, the water will become "stuck".

Sometimes shaking the head or jolting it in some way breaks the surface tension and allows the water to drain. Other times, you must try to dehydrate the canal.

Alcohol rinses can be used. If you can find denatured alcohol, it will absorb water better. The alcohol also reduces the surface tension and helps drain the free water within the canal.

Do a search for ear rinses and the like. They have been discussed before.

I've experienced this myself. For me, jumping up and down on the boat and landing stiff legged breaks the water loose as does violently moving my head. I doubt that this is good for the brain by hey, I'm crazy anyway!

WE GOT MUSHROOMS GROWIN' IN OUR EARS!

Regards,

Laurence Stein DDS