Over-the-counter medicines may also work to launch the ear canals and drain the fluid.
If these methods don’t help seek medical attention to have the fluid drained.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
1.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Sometimes, you’re free to clear your Eustachian tubes by making facial movements.
These include yawning or holding your nose while blowing through the nasal passages.
When the Eustachian tubes open, you mayfeel or hear a “pop.”
You may feel or hear a slight pop when the Eustachian tube opens.
Inhale Steam
Steam inhalation through the nose is known for clearing the sinuses.
Gargle With Saltwater
Healthcare providers often recommend gargling with salt water to enable fluid to drain from the ears.
This may help in a few different ways.
To gargle with salt water, add a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water.
Stir and allow the salt to dissolve.
Take a mouthful of saltwater, keep your throat closed, and tilt your head back.
Gurgle for 30 seconds to one minute.
Warm Compress
A warm compress can increase circulation to the ear, which can help loosen fluid.
This method can also help reduce pain and inflammation.
Switching between a warm and cool compress may also help provide pain relief.
Good hydration can also help reduce pressure and pain in infected ears.
Tug Your Earlobe
Try tilting your head down and tugging gently on your earlobe.
This can help loosen the trapped fluid, which will allow it to drain.
Sleeping in an elevated position may also help reduce pain and pressure from an ear infection.
Massage
Ayurveda is an alternative medicine practice that originated in India.
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend massaging the lymph nodes outside the ears to help drain fluid from the Eustachian tubes.
Doing so can introduce bacteria into the ear canal and cause a minor irritation to become an infection.
Putting objects into your ear can also push water deeper into your ear and scrape orpuncture the ear drum.
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
If left untreated, serous otitis media can cause hearing loss.
If symptoms get worse or don’t improve, see a healthcare provider.
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