Remove Water From Ear After Swimming

This is the golden rule. Prodding your ear will usually push the water further in, compact earwax against the eardrum, and can scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal—creating an open door for infection.

See a doctor if you experience severe pain, swelling, drainage, or hearing loss that persists for more than 2-3 days, as these can be signs of Swimmer's Ear (otitis externa).