Floating is an incredible way to relax, reset, and recharge. With benefits ranging from stress relief to improved sleep, it’s no wonder so many people have incorporated it into their wellness routines. While floating has very few drawbacks, one issue some people encounter is good ol’ salty ear.
Sometimes you’re left with outer ear salt flakes, which is a minor inconvenience; other times, uncleaned ears can retain fluid, or even lead to an ear infection. This is why it’s important and why we harp on it so much. The good news? It’s easy to avoid.
When salt solution dries, it expands and grows, which in turn applies pressure to anything around it. When this happens in your ear and then you stick your finger in your ear canal, you can introduce bacteria, which can lead to an ear infection. It’s incredibly rare but possible.
We stress the importance of good ear hygiene in our waiver, float intro video, and Post Float Guide. The cheat sheet in the float room offers instructions in bold to remind you to clean your ears, and every new floater is verbally instructed to tilt your head like an owl, let warm water flow over and into your ears to help clear out any saltwater.
We provide the earplugs and ask you to keep them and bring them back next time. Using earplugs is optional but highly recommended. Some floaters choose not to use them and opt to let the solution fill their ear canals without issue. Those who choose not to use earplugs will be wise to avail themselves of the optional post-float vinegar ear rinse.
Ears are all weird shapes—I’ve heard it said that our ear folds are as unique to us as fingerprints. If the solution gets trapped in your ear canal, it can lead to a fluid/swoosh sound or feel like your head is underwater. If this happens, make your own vinegar/water ear rinse at home and fill your ear canal. Let it sit, then rinse and repeat. Hopefully, this clears it. Water can stay trapped for up to a week. If it lasts longer, contact your doctor. While discomfort is understandable, any pain is a sign to seek medical attention.
If you have tubes in your ears, it’s highly recommended that you don’t float. These tubes act like a little tunnel into your inner ear, and it’s excruciating to have the solution enter that space. Hopefully, this is a temporary condition, and you won’t have them forever. The other alternative would be to use a tool like the Nekdoodle to prop your head up and keep your ears above the solution.
Being mindful about your ear hygiene goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth, enjoyable float experience. Taking a few simple precautions can help you avoid discomfort and fully relax into your session. Floating is a rejuvenating, stress-free experience, and a little attention to ear care helps keep it that way. With these salty ear tips, you will float on with confidence!
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