When your hearing is muffled, it is tempting to reach for the nearest tool to clean your ear out. However, inserting objects into your ear canal usually makes the problem much worse.
The sensation of muffled hearing after spending time in the water is usually caused by one of three primary factors: trapped water, a reaction known as "swimmer's ear," or a combination of earwax and water. Let's break them down.
If you have searched for the phrase you are likely experiencing this frustrating phenomenon and looking for a solution—a "patch" to fix the silence. muffled hearing after swimming patched
Waking up with a clogged ear after a day at the pool is incredibly frustrating. That distinct, underwater sensation disrupts your balance, muffles your conversations, and leaves you constantly shaking your head for relief.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Earwax is naturally hydrophobic (water-resistant), but prolonged exposure to water can cause it to absorb moisture and swell. If you already have a hidden buildup of wax in your ear, swimming can cause that wax to expand like a sponge. This expansion completely seals off the ear canal, causing sudden and severe muffled hearing. 3. Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) When your hearing is muffled, it is tempting
Sometimes the muffled feeling isn't in the outer ear, but the middle ear. Changes in pressure—common if you were diving or swimming deep—can cause the Eustachian tubes to become "stuck."