Removing Water from Ears: Risks and Safer Techniques
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Understanding Water Retention in the Ear
During my childhood, weekends were often spent at the lake, with vivid memories of my father awkwardly trying to dislodge water from his ear by banging his head. However, recent scientific research suggests that this method is not only ineffective but potentially harmful, especially for children.
New studies utilizing 3D-printed models of ear canals reveal that the force generated by this method could lead to brain damage. Children are especially vulnerable to such risks.
Exploring the Forces Involved
Researchers experimented with various tube sizes and accelerations to find effective ways to remove water from confined spaces. Their findings indicate that infants and young children require a force of approximately 10 times gravity to expel water from their small ear canals. Other studies have linked impacts of 8g to 10g from activities like heading soccer balls to decreased academic performance in older children.
Due to the variability in ear canal sizes, researchers cannot definitively state the exact age groups at risk from this hazardous technique.
“Children under 10, with smaller ear canals, are definitely at greater risk,” explains Dr. Sunghwan Jung, an associate professor at Cornell. “However, adults should avoid this method as well.”
Adults, possessing larger ear canals, require significantly less force—about 5g—to clear water, according to the study presented at the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics annual meeting.
Potential Health Risks
While having water trapped in the ear can be merely annoying, it can also lead to infections in the outer ear canal, particularly when bacteria-laden water enters. This condition is commonly referred to as swimmer’s ear, or medically, otitis externa.
The scientific explanation for why water becomes trapped in the ear canal involves surface tension.
“Through our experiments and theoretical models, we concluded that the surface tension of the liquid plays a critical role in water becoming lodged in ear canals,” states Anuj Baskota, a Cornell undergraduate researcher.
The Role of Surface Tension
Surface tension arises because water molecules exhibit a stronger attraction to each other than to air. Consequently, water molecules at the surface bond more tightly with one another than with the surrounding air. This resistance to external forces can allow insects to walk on water or even enable a paper clip to float.
Safer Techniques for Ear Water Removal
There are alternative methods to remove water from your ears that are safer than shaking your head. Techniques such as tugging on the earlobe, yawning, or chewing can be effective. Ear drops may also provide relief. However, it’s essential to avoid using cotton swabs or any solid objects in your ear, as these can aggravate the situation.
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