How to Cover Your Ears While Swimming (and Get Water Out)

Co-authored by Hayley Church

Last Updated: December 6, 2022

There’s almost nothing more annoying than getting water lodged in your ears when you go swimming. You’re out having a good time, but the extra moisture in your ear can drive you crazy and ruin your day. What’s worse is you could end up getting a super uncomfortable ear infection called swimmer’s ear. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can use to keep water out. If you do end up getting some water in your ears, don’t worry! It’s also pretty easy to get it out safely.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Keeping Water Out of Your Ears

1
Wear earplugs to help block out water. Put in over-the-counter earplugs or use specially designed swimmer’s earplugs to block out water and keep any from getting into your ears while you swim. Choose a pair that fit comfortably and create a tight seal in your ear canal to keep water out.^{[1]
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- Some over-the-counter earplugs may not be waterproof or block out water as well as swimmer’s earplugs.
- Most swimmer’s earplugs come in a universal one-size-fits-all, but if you have smaller or larger ears, look for brands that offer additional sizes so you can find a good fit for you.
- Look for swimmer’s earplugs at your local athletic supply store or swimming supply store. You can also order them online.
2
Choose swim molds for the best protection. Swim molds are custom-fitted earplugs made out of a waterproof material such as silicone. They create a tight seal in your ear canal and keep out water. Visit your local hearing doctor or specialist to have a pair of swim molds designed to fit your ears perfectly.^{[2]
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- Swim molds can be useful in preventing toddlers or small children from potentially getting ear infections as they learn to swim.
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3
Put on a swim cap that covers your ears. A swim cap, or bathing cap, is a tight-fitting head covering usually made out of a water-resistant material like silicone, latex, or lycra. Choose a cap with sides that cover your ears and put it on over your head.^{[3]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Look for swim caps at your local department store, athletic supply store, or swimming supply store. They’re also available for order online.
- Swim caps come in a variety of colors and designs, so you can choose one that suits your personality.
- For the best protection against getting water in your ears, wear a swim cap and swimmer’s earplugs.
4
Use a swimmer’s headband to help keep earplugs in place. If your earplugs keep falling out, or if you have a child wearing earplugs to swim, a swimmer’s headband can help hold them in place and keep water out. Put in a pair of earplugs and wear a swimmer’s headband over your ears to keep them from coming out.^{[4]
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- Look for swimmer’s headbands at your local swim supply shop. You can also order them online.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Getting Water Out of Your Ears

1
Dry your ears with a towel after you swim to keep water out of them. As soon as you get out of the water, use a clean towel to dry the outer part of your ear so water doesn’t run into your ear canal. Rub the towel all around your outer ear to soak up excess water.^{[5]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Dry off your ears anytime you get out of the water if you’re concerned about getting water into them.
- Avoid jamming or sticking your towel into your ear canal or you could force any water further inside your ear.
2
Tilt your head and pull on your earlobe to help the water run out. The simplest way to drain water out of your ears is to let gravity do the work by tilting your head to the side allowing the water to run out. Pull on your ear lobe while your head is tilted to help work the water out of your ear. Repeat the process with your other ear so they’re both drained.^{[6]
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- Don’t stick your fingers into your ears to try to work the water out of them.
3
Hold over your ear canal on low heat to dry out the water. If your ears just won’t seem to drain, take a hair dryer, and set it to the lowest heat and speed. Hold the hair dryer near your ear canal to blow air into it and help dry out any water inside.^{[7]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Try using the hair dryer for 2-3 minutes at a time and see if the water shifts around and drains out on its own.
4
Use over-the-counter ear drops to help dry out your ears. Pick up some hydrogen peroxide ear drops from your local pharmacy or drug store. Use them as directed to help dry out any water in your ears.^{[8]
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- You can also make your own eardrops by mixing together equal parts vinegar and alcohol. Drop them into your ears to help dry them out.
5
Avoid stuffing cotton swabs or fingers into your ears. While it may feel tempting, or even satisfying to stick a cotton swab or a finger into your ear to soak up the water, you could actually do more damage than good. If you push the water further into your ear canal and it gets trapped behind wax, it could lead to an infection or swimmer’s ear. Choose another way to help drain the water from your ears to be safe.^{[9]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Warnings

If you have ear pain, your ear canal feels clogged, you can’t hear well, you hear ringing, or if you’re dizzy, see your doctor.^{[11]
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