Use a hairdryer on its lowest heat and lowest speed setting, holding it at least a foot away from your ear to dry the canal.
Headline: The only thing that clears my ears post-swim.
If the muffled feeling persists for more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it might be more than simple water. Signs of Swimmer’s Ear (Infection)
You notice fluid draining from the ear that is yellow, green, foul-smelling, or bloody. muffled hearing after swimming patched
Muffled Hearing After Swimming: Causes, Treatment, and When a "Patched" Eardrum is Involved
The best "patch" is the one you never need. Prevent muffled hearing after swimming with these habits:
If the issue is trapped water, try these methods to unblock the ear. Use a hairdryer on its lowest heat and
A doctor can safely vacuum out impacted earwax, flush the canal, or prescribe antibiotic ear drops if an infection has developed. How to Prevent Muffled Hearing on Your Next Swim
: Pressure changes or fluid behind the eardrum. Immediate Fixes Gravity : Tilt your head and tug your earlobe. Vacuum Effect : Press your palm over your ear and release.
If your muffled hearing is caused by swollen earwax, a cotton swab will act like a plunger, compacting the wax tightly against your eardrum and making the blockage much worse. Signs of Swimmer’s Ear (Infection) You notice fluid
Water has high surface tension. In a tight space like the ear canal, it can form a literal wall or "bubble" that blocks sound waves from reaching your eardrum.
: Use silicone plugs specifically designed for swimming. Swim Caps : Pull them low to cover the ears.