If the muffled hearing is accompanied by pain, itching, or swelling, you may have developed Swimmer's Ear. This often requires medical intervention.
Before you reach for a cotton swab, try these safe and effective methods to remove trapped water.
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)
Take a deep breath, pinch your nose shut, close your mouth, and gently blow out as if you were blowing your nose. This opens your Eustachian tubes and can pop out trapped moisture. muffled hearing after swimming patched
Less common but more serious causes include a middle ear infection (otitis media), which occurs behind the eardrum and is not directly caused by water in the canal but can be triggered by pressure changes and is more common in children, or a condition called surfer's ear (exostoses), which is a bony growth in the ear canal due to repeated cold water exposure.
Use a hairdryer on the lowest/coolest setting , holding it at least a foot away to gently dry the area.
A specialist places a small, sterile patch (often made of special paper or collagen) over the tear in the eardrum. If the muffled hearing is accompanied by pain,
Swimming is one of the most refreshing summer activities, but a common, frustrating side effect is . That "waterlogged" feeling often indicates trapped water or early signs of swimmer's ear.
“There,” the doctor said, holding up the loop. On its tip was a translucent, paper-thin curl of skin, no bigger than a grain of rice. “Your hearing patch.”
Waking up with a clogged ear after a refreshing swim is a common but frustrating experience. That distinct, underwater sensation—where your own voice echoes and the world sounds like it is wrapped in cotton—is usually a temporary nuisance. However, if left ignored, it can occasionally develop into a more serious issue. If the muffled feeling persists for more than
While most cases resolve quickly, some situations require professional medical attention. You should see a doctor if [9†L36-L37][9†L40-L42]:
If the ear canal is severely swollen, a doctor may insert a small sponge-like wick to help deliver the antibiotic drops effectively.
There are three primary reasons your hearing remains muffled after you leave the pool or ocean: