Too Much Humidity in Your Ears?

Most of us will get water in our ear canals at some point in our life. Sometimes the water runs right back out. Other times it gets stuck. When it gets stuck it can be uncomfortable, muffle one’s hearing, or even cause an ear canal infection! The good news is that there is a simple solution (literally and figuratively) to dry water from the ear canals. It also helps to dry out ear canals in people who sweat a lot or wear hearing aids every day.

Recipe:
1 Pint (16 fluid ounces) of isopropyl rubbing alcohol (70% or 91% will do)
3 Tablespoons of distilled vinegar 

Pour out 3 Tablespoons of rubbing alcohol from the pint bottle. Discard these three tablespoons or save them in a separate container to use as plain rubbing alcohol. Pour 3 Tablespoons of distilled vinegar into the bottle of rubbing alcohol. Shake the mixture together. It’s now ready to use!

To use, I recommend getting an eyedropper from the drug store. Tilt your head to the side then use the dropper to drop 2-3 drops of the mixture into your ear. Keep your head tilted over and place a small piece of cotton ball over the opening of the ear. Let the mixture sit in the ear for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, tilt your head to the other side and let the mixture drain out onto the cotton ball. Discard the cotton ball. Repeat on the other side.

Disclaimer:
This mixture is safe for anyone to use as long as they do not have a hole or ear tubes in their eardrum. During use, it can sting for some people, but that’s not a sign of damage. However, if you are already experiencing significant ear pain (not just stinging with use), ear drainage, significant loss of hearing, or a new, loud ringing in the ear, do not use this mixture until you have seen a medical provider for an ear examination.

Pro tips for use:
- Use it after swimming workouts, washing your hair, or if your ears have gotten wet in the shower.
- Hearing aid wearers should use this mixture twice per week.
- People who get sweaty at work or when working out should use it when they get home.
- Take some with you on your next beach vacation. Use it after you’re done swimming for the day.
- It’s safe to use daily if needed.