Swimming should leave you feeling refreshed, not worried about ears blocked after swimming.
That blocked or muffled sensation, along with pressure or crackling sounds, is a common problem after time in pools or open water.
In most cases, ears feel blocked because water becomes trapped in the ear canal or existing ear wax swells after getting wet.
While this is often harmless, ignoring ongoing blockage can sometimes lead to discomfort or infections such as swimmer’s ear.
In this audiologist-approved guide, you’ll learn:
- Why ears get blocked after swimming
- Safe ways to clear blocked ears at home
- How to prevent ear blockage before and after swimming
- When blocked ears signal wax build-up or infection
- When to seek professional help at Dewaxify
Why Ears Get Blocked After Swimming
When you swim, water naturally enters the outer ear canal. In most people, this water drains out on its own within minutes.
However, the ear canal isn’t a straight tube; it’s curved, narrow, and lined with delicate skin.
This makes it easy for water to become trapped, especially in people who produce more ear wax or already have partial blockages.
Once water stays inside the ear, it can soften existing wax, irritate the canal lining, or sit behind natural bends in the ear.
This is what causes the blocked, muffled sensation many swimmers notice after leaving the pool or sea.
Common reasons for ears staying blocked
- Swollen or soft ear wax after soaking
- Trapped water due to canal shape
- Residue from pool water or chemicals
- Swimmer’s ear (outer ear infection)
- Eardrum irritation
Water trapped inside the canal creates that classic muffled hearing and sloshing sound.
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Common Causes of Ears Blocked After Swimming
| Cause | Why It Happens | Key Symptoms |
| Trapped water | Water gets stuck behind wax or canal bends | Fullness, sloshing sound |
| Swollen ear wax | Wax absorbs water and expands | Muffled hearing |
| Swimmer’s ear infection | Bacteria thrive in moist canals | Pain, itching, discharge |
| Irritation from chlorine | Sensitivity to chemicals | Redness, discomfort |
| Eardrum pressure changes | Sudden underwater depth shifts | Sharp pain and blockage |
How Long Do Blocked Ears Last After Swimming?
Most cases clear within a few hours as water evaporates.
If the blockage lasts more than 48 hours, it may be due to wax swelling or early infection.
If (otitis externa) symptoms last longer than three days, you should seek an ear examination.
How to Clear Blocked Ears After Swimming
If your ears feel blocked after swimming, it’s natural to want quick relief.
The good news is that most cases are caused by trapped water and can be cleared safely at home.
Try the following techniques, starting with the simplest:
1. Tilt and Drain Technique
Tilt and drain technique is one of the best techniques to clear your blocked ears
Lean your head to the side of the blocked ear and gently pull the earlobe downward and backward.
This helps straighten the ear canal, making it easier for trapped water to flow out naturally.
Many people notice immediate relief with this simple movement.
2. Warm Compress
Place a warm (not hot) cloth over the affected ear for about 10 minutes.
The warmth encourages evaporation and helps relax the surrounding tissues, which can ease pressure and reduce discomfort caused by trapped moisture.
3. Gentle Jaw Movements
Slowly open and close your mouth, yawn, or move your jaw side to side.
These movements subtly change the shape of the ear canal and can help release water that’s stuck behind natural bends.
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4. Use a Hairdryer on Low Setting
Hold a hairdryer at least 30 cm away and direct warm air near not into the ear opening.
Use the lowest heat and airflow settings. This method helps dry lingering moisture without irritating the delicate skin inside the ear..
5. Avoid Earbuds or Cotton Buds
It may be tempting to “dry” the ear with a cotton bud or tissue, but this often makes things worse.
Inserting objects pushes wax deeper, traps moisture, and increases the risk of irritation or infection.
If your ear still feels blocked after trying these methods, the issue may not be trapped water at all.
Swollen or impacted ear wax is often the real cause and requires professional removal rather than home treatment.
Wax Build-Up is Often Mistaken for Water
Many people believe water is stuck inside their ear when the real issue is swollen ear wax.
Wax absorbs water and expands, creating the same blocked feeling as trapped water.
Signs you might be dealing with wax, not water
- Persistent muffled hearing
- Itching inside the canal
- Sudden blockage after the shower
- Previous wax-related issues
Microsuction at Dewaxify can clear this safely in minutes.
How to Prevent Ears Blocking When Swimming
Here are evidence-based prevention strategies to ensure clear ears after every swim.
Tip 1. Use Custom Swim Moulds
Custom swim plugs create a tight seal that prevents water from entering the ear canal.
They are especially useful if you swim frequently, have a history of infections or have narrow canals.
Tip 2. Dry Your Ears Properly After Swimming
After leaving the pool, tilt the head, gently tug the ear and let water drain naturally.
Avoid inserting anything inside the ear.
Tip 3. Use Swimmer’s Ear Drops (Alcohol-Based)
These drops help evaporate trapped moisture and maintain a dry canal.
Avoid if you have a perforated eardrum or ear surgery history.
Tip 4. Avoid Swimming When You Have a Cold
Congestion increases pressure and can make water trapping worse.
It may also cause discomfort when diving or swimming underwater.
Tip 5. Manage Ear Wax Regularly
If you naturally produce a lot of wax, consider maintenance microsuction every few months.
This reduces the chances of water trapping behind hardened wax.
Prevention Checklist for Swimmers
| Action | Why It Matters |
| Use custom swim plugs | Stops water entry |
| Dry ears gently | Prevents infection |
| Avoid cotton buds | Protects canal lining |
| Treat wax regularly | Prevents water blockage |
| Use post-swim ear drops | Keeps canal moisture-free |
When Blocked Ears After Swimming Mean Infection
A common condition called otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, occurs when trapped water irritates the skin inside the canal, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include
- Pain when touching or pulling the ear
- Itching
- Redness
- Discharge
- Blocked feeling that worsens
If these symptoms appear, avoid swimming until the ear is treated.
Professional cleaning and medicated drops usually resolve the issue quickly.
When to See a Specialist
You should get your ears checked if:
- Ears remain blocked after swimming for more than 48 hours
- You experience sharp pain or dizziness
- Hearing drops suddenly
- Discharge or odour develops
- You feel pressure or fullness that does not improve
- You suspect wax impaction
These signs indicate either wax swelling, infection or pressure issues that require examination.
Why Microsuction is the Best Fix for Blocked Ears After Swimming
When blocked ears after swimming don’t improve with home methods, the most common cause is swollen or impacted ear wax, not trapped water.
In these cases, attempting to flush the ear or wait for the blockage to clear can make symptoms worse especially if the ear canal is already irritated.
Microsuction is considered the gold-standard method for removing ear wax because it is dry, controlled, and highly precise.
An audiologist uses gentle suction under direct visual guidance, allowing the blockage to be removed safely without introducing moisture into the ear.
This makes microsuction particularly suitable for swimmers and anyone prone to ear infections.
Microsuction offers several key benefits:
- Instant clearance by removing the blockage during the appointment
- No water used, reducing the risk of infection or irritation
- Safe for sensitive or infection-prone ears
- Highly effective for swollen wax that develops after swimming
- Well-suited for swimmers and divers, where dry ears are essential
- No drops, no mess, and no waiting for wax to soften
Dewaxify: London’s Trusted Ear Clinic for Blocked Ears
Dewaxify is a specialist ear care clinic based in Ilford, East London, led by Sita Parmar, Audiological Scientist.
Since 2017, we’ve helped swimmers and non-swimmers alike understand and safely treat ear blockage using evidence-based techniques.
At Dewaxify, you will get:
- HD otoscopy to identify the exact cause of blockage
- Microsuction ear wax removal
- Personalised advice for swimmers, including custom swim moulds
Appointments are typically completed within 25–30 minutes, with care suitable for both adults and children aged six and above.
Why do ears get blocked after swimming?
Water gets trapped in the ear canal or wax swells and blocks sound transmission.
How do I unblock my ears after swimming?
Tilt the head, use warm compresses, gentle jaw movement or drying drops.
Is it safe to use cotton buds?
No. They push wax deeper and can worsen blockage or cause infection
When should I see a specialist?
If blockage lasts beyond 48 hours or you experience pain, dizziness or discharge
Does ear wax removal help swimmers?
Yes. Keeping the canal clear reduces the chance of water trapping behind wax
