Is there a wet or warm feeling in your ears? If you’re a swimmer there may be actual water inside your ear. But if you have not gone swimming then there could be a number of reasons for the problem.

The most common reason that your ears feel wet and warm is that they are producing more wax. 

Earwax, medically referred to as Cerumen, is more than just icky stuff coming out of your ears. It serves as an ear conditioner with the purpose of protecting the skin inside the ear canal from getting infected. It works as a dust catcher, inspects repellent, and has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. 

However, some other conditions like ruptured eardrums cause blood and other fluids in your ear. This kind of discharge indicates that your ear is badly infected or injured. If the condition worsens, you may need to consult a doctor. 

4 Common Reasons of Warm or Wet Sensation in Ear

Swimmer’s Ear

The most obvious cause of the feeling of water inside your ear is that there is actual water in your ear. If you recently went swimming, diving, or other activities, water could actually be trapped inside your ear canal.

This situation is called the swimmer’s ear because of water that gets accumulated in the ear. It is advisable to dry out the ear quickly as the water collected in the ear canal can lead to infection.

Build up of Earwax

If you feel a warm and wet feeling in your ear, it may be due to the earwax build-up. If you hear the muted or dull voice it could be because of earwax that has been blocked in your ear canal. If the wax is closer to the eardrum, you might feel like there’s water stuck in your ear.

Middle Ear Infection

A middle ear infection is a common reason why you are feeling water inside your ear. The infection occurs because of allergies or cold that causes bacteria to build up in your middle ear.

If the infection lasts too long, the bacteria can make its way to the eardrum. You may experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches, ear pain, and a feeling of water inside your ear. If the pain increases or you feel too much fluid, you need to consult a doctor. 

Trauma

Trauma can cause discharge to the ear canal. Trauma can occur while cleaning your ear with a cotton swab if you push it a little too hard and deep.

Or, when there’s an increase in pressure such as while flying or scuba diving, it can result in trauma in your ear. These situations can cause the discharge of fluid in your eardrum. It can lead to swelling in your ears.

What are the Common Associated Symptoms with Warm and Fluid Sensation?

A warm or liquid sensation in your ear can be associated with different conditions. Most patients are asymptomatic in the beginning. But if the sensation lasts longer than expected it can be accompanied by various other symptoms. 

• Swelling
• Pain
• Headache
• Sinuses
• Runny nose

If you notice these symptoms for more than one week, you should book an appointment with your doctor to get your ears checked. As they could be because of an ear infection.

How to Prevent Fluid Accumulation in Your Ear?

There are certain things that you can do to prevent warm fluid accumulated in your ear. These are-

Keep Your Ears Dry

To prevent the swimmer’s ear, thoroughly dry your ears after getting back from swimming or bathing. Tip the head to the one first and then the other to drain the water in your ear completely. Or, you can use some ear drops after you swim or dive to prevent the swimmer’s ear.

Keep Foreign Objects Out

Avoid digging earwax out using ear bugs or paper clips at all costs. These objects if pushed too hard can rupture your eardrum. They can send the fluid deeper into your ear canal worsening blockage and buildup.

Protect Ears From Irritants

Some jewelry pieces and piercings can cause infection in your ears so be careful about what you wear on your ears. Also, try to avoid spraying hair sprays and dyes near your ears. You can use cotton balls as a protective measure.

How to Treat Ear Discharge?

The treatment depends upon the cause of the problem. Some infections may clear within 2-3 days without doing anything. If you have actual water in your water, it will drain itself in a few days. If your ear still discharges fluid, here are a few things you can do:

Try Antihistamines

If the cause of your ear problem is due to some allergies, then you can try Antihistamines. This can dry up mucus that is causing the problem. Spraying nasal spray can also help in this situation.

Use Ear Drops

If you don’t have any pain or drainage from your ears, you can use ear drops. You can ask your pharmacist to recommend the best drops for your ears.

Rub Hydrogen Peroxide and Alcohol

This is the best treatment for the swimmer’s ear. Mix the equal ratio of hydrogen peroxide and alcohol in a bowl. Now, lie down with your one ear facing up to the wall and the other facing the couch.

Pour a mixture in the top ear and let it sit for 30 seconds. Repeat the same with your other ear by switching the position. 

Try a Heat Pack

Place a heat pack on the top of your ear for 10- 15 minutes. Repeat the process for your other ear as well. Just make sure that the heat pack is not too hot or cold. 

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

You should consult a doctor if the discharge from your ear is yellow or bloody and lasts longer than a week. If a discharge is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, and vomiting you should visit a doctor right away. 

Depending upon the infection or cause of discharge, your doctor will recommend you the best possible treatment for your condition.