Swimmer’s Ear? A Balloon Is Your Secret Weapon!

Summer's Almost Here! Pool season is upon us!

You know what that means!?! Swimmer's ear is a thing!

Ever stepped out of the pool only to have water stubbornly stuck in your ear?

Before you start hopping on one leg and shaking your head, try this: blow into a deflated balloon 3-4 times. This creates pressure in your Eustachian tubes, helping to equalize them and force the water out.

The act of blowing increases internal ear pressure, helping the trapped water escape. Similar techniques are used by divers to prevent ear barotrauma!

Pro tip: If you don’t have a balloon, pinching your nose and gently blowing works too (just don’t blow too hard)!