Muffled hearing after swimming results from through the outer or middle ear. Sound waves normally travel: Pinna → Ear canal → Tympanic membrane (eardrum) → Ossicles → Cochlea If water or obstruction blocks the canal or alters eardrum mobility, volume drops and sound distorts.
"Just leave it alone," his mom advised, handing him a drop of swimmer's ear alcohol solution. "It’ll drain while you sleep. Just don't stick anything in there." muffled ear after swimming
Ear candling is an unproven alternative remedy that poses serious risks, including burns to the face and ear canal, as well as eardrum perforation. When to See a Doctor Muffled hearing after swimming results from through the
Tilt your head sideways with the blocked ear down. Cup your palm tightly over your ear, then push and release rapidly, flattening it and cupping it. This action can gently suck the water out. "It’ll drain while you sleep