Tilt your head toward the affected ear
Gently pull your earlobe
Jiggle your earlobe while tilting your head
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing down
Create gentle suction with your palm
Chew gum
Yawn
Use a warm compress against the ear
Try steam from a warm shower
Use over-the-counter swimmer’s ear drops
Use a hair dryer on the lowest setting, held at least 12 inches away
Avoid cotton swabs
Avoid inserting fingers or objects into the ear
Avoid ear drops if you have ear tubes
Avoid ear drops if you have a ruptured eardrum
Avoid ear drops if you have ear pain or drainage
See a doctor if water remains trapped for more than 24 hours
See a doctor if you have pain
See a doctor if you have hearing loss
See a doctor if you have dizziness
See a doctor if you have ringing in the ear
See a doctor if you have swelling
See a doctor if you have fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear