Swimmers Ear plugs are a quick and easy way to protect the ears from water. However, it is important that the fit of the ear plug is correct. If the user of the swimmer’s ear plug is a baby or a child, the fit and sizing of the ear plug will need to be checked as the child grows as the ear plugs will need to replaced fairly regularly.
For anyone with ear health issues, medical advice and clearance should always be sought before swimming or using earplugs.
The main worries swimmers have when considering the use ear plugs are how uncomfortable they may feel, or whether they will fall out mid-swim. There is a wide selection of high-quality professional swimming ear plugs that will do the job perfectly.
They come in all shapes and sizes. They can be custom-made or purchased off-the-shelf (non-customised).
- Custom swimmers ear plugs are made specifically to fit precisely in a person’s ears. These require an impression of the ear to be taken, to build the earplug to fit the persons exact ear shape. This type of ear plug is generally better fitting. Customised swimmers ear plugs can be ordered and purchased from hearing care providers, like Amplifon. The ear impression would be arranged through a qualified audiologist or audiometrist. Customised swimmers ear plugs are usually made from materials such as soft acrylic or silicon. These materials are flexible and will be shaped specifically to a person’s ear.
- Non-customised swimmers ear plugs are not tailored to an individual ear shape but may come in a variety of sizes. These ear plugs are available for purchase from chemists, supermarkets and over the Internet. The non-customised types can be reusable or disposable. There is a large range of highly reputable quality brands available for swimmers of all ages. Foam ear plugs should be avoided as they are not designed to keep the water out. Non-customised swimmers ear plugs are made from a variety of materials, including silicon or wax/putty. These materials are flexible. Some are designed to expand and fit the ear canal shape. The wax/putty type are warmed and shaped in the hand and then pressed into the ears.
Ear plugs for swimming help to prevent ear infections and also assist in protecting the ear from further damage where there is an active infection present, a perforation in the eardrum or other medical conditions such as grommets or ventilation tubes in place.
When choosing the type of ear plug to be purchased a number of things should be considered:
- Why the ear plug is required?
- Does the end user have any allergies?
- If an active ear infection (swimmers ear or otitus externa) is present medical clearance should be sought before swimming or using an ear plug. With medical approval a disposable ear plug may be better if the ear is discharging.
- Are they for bathing and showering?
- Are they intended for swimming in still water (pools) or the surf?
- Will they be required for sports activities?
- How old is the intended user?
It is very important that all swimmers ear plugs are inserted correctly into the ears and are not removed when in use.
To compliment the use of a Swimmers Ear Plug also available are:
- Swimmer's Headbands, which work well with the ear plugs to ensure they remain in place and are not accidently dislodged out of the ears during sports or are removed by young children. The headbands are highly recommended for keeping swimmers ear plugs in for children or water sport activities for any age.
- Specialist swimming Ear Drops are also available to help dry out and evaporate water which could be trapped in the ear canal after bathing or swimming. Please note these drops are usually alcohol based and they should not be used there is an active ear infection, middle ear condition or ear drum perforation. You should consult your doctor prior to using these drops to ensure they are suitable for use.
