Blocked Ears After Swimming? What To Do After Beach and Pool Days

Blocked Ears After Swimming? What To Do After Beach and Pool Days

Spending time in the water is one of the best parts of summer. Beach swims, pool laps and long afternoons cooling off are all part of the season. After a day in the water, some people notice their ears feel blocked, full or slightly muffled. This can be uncomfortable, but it’s also a common experience after swimming.

In this helpful blog, we’ll explore why this happens and offer practical tips on what to do so you can feel more at ease as summer winds down.

Why Ears Can Feel Blocked After Swimming

When water enters the ear canal, it doesn’t always drain out straight away. This can create a temporary blocked or full sensation.¹ In some cases, moisture may interact with earwax that’s already present, causing it to swell slightly and affect how sound travels.²

You may notice:

• A feeling of fullness or pressure.
• Sounds that seem quieter or muffled.
• A sensation that comes and goes after swimming.

Caring For Your Ears After Beach And Pool Days

A few simple habits after swimming may help your ears feel more comfortable and reduce that blocked or full sensation. 

After time in the water, you may find it helpful to:

• Dry your ears thoroughly and carefully: After swimming, use a clean towel to dry the outer ear. Tilting your head to each side can help any trapped water drain naturally.
• Change out of wet gear promptly: Lingering moisture around the ears, especially after long beach or pool sessions, may increase discomfort. Dry hair and ears as soon as practical.³
• Give your ears quiet time: After a day of swimming and social activity, stepping into a calm environment can help you notice whether the blocked feeling settles on its own.
• Be cautious with ear cleaning: Avoid cotton buds or inserting objects into the ear canal. These can push earwax further in and sometimes make blockage feel worse.
• Be mindful of repeated exposure: Frequent swimming over several days can sometimes make the blocked sensation more noticeable. 
• Pay attention over the next 24 hours: For many people, the sensation eases as moisture clears. If ears still feel blocked the following day, it may be worth taking note. 

If the sensation doesn’t improve after a day or two, or keeps returning after swimming, it may be worth paying attention. Ongoing blockage can sometimes be linked to earwax build-up or moisture that hasn’t fully cleared.⁴

Signs it may be helpful to check in with a hearing care professional include:

• Sounds remaining muffled.
• One ear feeling more blocked than the other.
• Difficulty hearing clearly in conversations.

A hearing check can help identify what’s causing the blocked sensation and whether earwax or moisture is playing a role. It’s a simple way to gain clarity and ensure your ears are comfortable and clear after a busy summer. Your hearing care professional can also offer personalised advice on caring for your ears if you swim regularly.
Blocked ears after swimming are a common part of summer for many people. Paying attention to how your ears feel and knowing when to seek support can help you stay comfortable as the season changes. If your ears are still blocked or uncomfortable after beach or pool days, book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic. Our experienced team can assess your hearing and guide you in the next steps to feeling confident about your hearing health.

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d), Swimmer’s Ear, www.hopkinsmedicine.org, accessed 18 January 2026. 

2. Mayo Clinic (15 April 2025), Swimmer’s Ear, www.mayoclinic.org, accessed 18 January 2026. 

3. Centre for Disease Control (28 May 2025), Preventing Swimmer’s Ear, www.cdc.gov, accessed 18 January 2026. 

4. Mayo Clinic (20 September 2025), Earwax blockage, www.mayoclinic.org, accessed 18 January 2026. Heading 4