Swim Safe: The Comprehensive Swimming Ear Plugs Guide
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Want to lower your risk of swimmer's ear? Swimming earplugs are a simple tool for anyone in the water.
Safety equipment is just as important for swimming as it is for any other sport.
The CDC lists earplugs, swim caps or custom-fitted swim molds as ways to keep ears dry and help prevent swimmer's ear.
Protecting yourself from swimmer’s ear is a crucial concern for any swimmer. Making sure you have the right ear plugs is an important part of this.
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer's ear is the common name for otitis externa (see this Otisis Externa overview). It's an infection in your ear canal, which is the tube that runs from the outer hole to your ear drum.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear can be itchiness, or pain, which can be severe. There can also be muffled hearing, or fluid or pus coming out of the ear.
Earwax normally helps protect the ear canal, so don't try to remove it. If the skin in your ear gets scratched, germs can get in.
Earplugs lower the risk but can't guarantee you won't get swimmer's ear. See a clinician if you have ear pain, drainage or muffled hearing.
Turns out, you don’t have to swim to get swimmer’s ear! Sticking anything in your ear, even a cotton swab, can cause it.
If water gets trapped in your ear, it can remove earwax and soften the skin, giving germs easier access.
With our review guide finding the right ear plugs for swimming doesn’t have to be a stressful process.
Doc’s ProPlugs
These earplugs for swimming are marketed as doctor recommended and are popular with surfers.
They're designed to keep water out and stay in place in rough water.
The preformed earplugs are vented, clear, and perfect for keeping water out of your ears.
They come in several sizes, from children to adults, so check the size chart before you buy.
They're made of a soft, flexible Kraton polymer that conforms to your ear canal.
ClearEars Water Removing Earplugs
The maker markets these ear plugs as safe for all ages and sizes.
Rather than blocking water during a swim, they're used afterward to draw out and absorb water trapped in the ear.
In addition, they’re alcohol-free and made to not irritate your ears while you wear them.
They also come in a waterproof carrying case. Carrying them in your bag to and from practice won’t damage them before you have the chance to use them.
Ear Plugs Aquablocks
These swimming ear plugs are silicone, making them durable since they won’t deteriorate like plastic earplugs, and effective.
Pre-molded, they fit snugly in your ear with their unique design. They feature a flexible stem and have three silicone tiers at the tip.
While this provides a good water-tight seal, it also offers a comfortable fit that won’t irritate your ears since the silicone is so soft.
Another upside of these earplugs is that they’re washable, so you can reuse them multiple times and save money over time, as well as lending the environment a hand!
These earplugs also come with a convenient carrying case.
Medical Grade Doc’s Pro Plugs
These swimming ear plugs are silicone. This makes them durable, since they won’t deteriorate like plastic earplugs, and effective.
They’re pre-molded and fit snugly in your ear with their unique design, featuring a flexible stem and three silicone tiers at the tip.
This provides a good water-tight seal. It also offers a comfortable fit that won’t irritate your ears since the silicone is so soft.
Another upside of these earplugs is that they’re washable, so you can reuse them multiple times, so you save money over time.
These earplugs come with a convenient carrying case.
Putty Buddies Floatable Earplugs
These earplugs are unique in design. Rather than coming as formed earplugs, they’re small disks of putty that are safe for your ears.
This allows you to shape them to fit you specifically and the slightly tacky texture helps them stay in your ears effectively.
The package comes with bright colors to choose from (blue, yellow, and green). You can’t lose them easily in the pool if you do happen to knock them out of your ears.
These earplugs are especially good for young swimmers, and the silicone won’t hurt their ears either. The package comes with six small pairs (or three large pairs) of earplugs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right equipment for your sport can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting out.
However, it’s a necessary decision to make to keep yourself safe and healthy.
Pair your earplugs with good habits. After swimming, tilt each ear down to drain it and dry your outer ear with a towel, as the CDC advises.
Don't put cotton swabs or other objects in your ear canal. If symptoms start, see a clinician for diagnosis and treatment.
