Water can easily become trapped in a child’s ear canal, increasing the risk of infection. Doctors often recommend ear plugs for children who:
For children without ear problems, some doctors still suggest wearing plugs when swimming in untreated water like lakes, rivers, or oceans, where bacteria are more common.
Swimming should be avoided if your child has an ear infection, particularly if it involves a ruptured eardrum. Submerging in water can exacerbate pain and delay the healing process due to pressure changes underwater. It's essential to wait until the infection has fully cleared before allowing them back into the water. For children prone to ear infections or those with ear tubes, using children's ear plugs for swimming can be beneficial. These earplugs help prevent water from entering the ear canal, reducing the risk of infection. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using earplugs, especially if your child has an active ear infection or a perforated eardrum, as inserting earplugs in such cases can cause further harm.In addition to using earplugs, ensuring that your child's ears are thoroughly dried after swimming or bathing can help prevent infections. Gently drying the ears with a towel and tilting the head to each side to allow water to drain can be effective. Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal, as this can cause irritation or damage. If your child experiences symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, or hearing difficulties after swimming, seek medical advice promptly. Early treatment can prevent complications and ensure a swift recovery.
✅ Yes, kids should wear ear plugs if they:
🤔 Maybe, for other kids:
❌ No, if:
Bottom line: Ear plugs are a great preventive tool—but not every child needs them every time. The decision depends on your child’s ear health, the water conditions, and their level of activity in the water.
If your child continues to show signs of sudden hearing loss and earplugs aren't helping, consider booking a full hearing assessment. Register to meet with one of our certified professional audiologists and have your child’s hearing tested for free.
Ear grommets (or tympanostomy tubes) are tiny, hollow tubes inserted into a child’s eardrum to help drain fluid and reduce the frequency of middle ear infections. They’re commonly used in children who suffer from recurring ear infections or persistent fluid buildup.
Do kids with ear grommets need swim ear plugs?
Why it's important:
When should kids with grommets wear ear plugs?
When might plugs not be needed?
Best types of swim ear plugs for kids with grommets:
These are widely available at pharmacies and online. Typically made from silicone or moldable putty, they’re budget-friendly and easy to replace when lost (which happens often!). They often come in bright colors, making them easy to find on pool decks or underwater.
Pros:
Cons:
These are made specifically for your child by a hearing care professional. They offer a snug, comfortable fit and are made to last longer.
Pros:
Cons:
Keeping your child's ears dry and protected this summer can help prevent discomfort—and save you a few trips to the doctor.
When selecting the best swimming ear plugs for children, it's essential to consider comfort, fit, and effectiveness in preventing water from entering the ears. This is particularly important for children prone to ear infections or those with ear tubes.
Top Recommendations:
These moldable silicone plugs are highly regarded for their comfort and ability to create a watertight seal. They are hypoallergenic and suitable for children of all ages. Their soft texture ensures a snug fit, making them ideal for prolonged use.
Designed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician, these soft silicone plugs are moldable and float in water, reducing the risk of loss. They are especially recommended for children with ear tubes and are available in various colors to appeal to kids.
These pre-molded plugs are designed to fit smaller ear canals comfortably. Their ergonomic shape ensures they stay in place during swimming sessions, and they come with a handy storage case.
Made from soft medical-grade silicone, these plugs offer a customized fit and are designed to reduce water pressure while allowing sound to pass through, ensuring children can hear instructions during swim lessons.
When choosing ear plugs, consider factors such as the child's age, ear canal size, and any specific medical recommendations. It's always advisable to consult with a pediatrician or audiologist to ensure the selected ear plugs are appropriate for your child's needs.
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For teenage swimmers, protecting the ears during frequent exposure to water is essential—especially for those who swim competitively or are prone to ear infections. Choosing the right earplugs ensures a watertight seal, comfort during long sessions, and protection from conditions like swimmer’s ear or exostosis.
When choosing earplugs, it’s important to consider not only comfort and fit but also any individual medical needs. If your teen has ear tubes or a history of ear issues, it’s best to consult with an audiologist before selecting a product. With the right ear protection, teens can swim with confidence and reduced risk of water-related ear problems.
Keeping your child’s ears dry while swimming is essential, especially if they are prone to ear infections or have ear tubes. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to help prevent water from entering their ears during water activities.
By using the right combination of ear protection from water, you can help your child enjoy swimming safely and comfortably.
Swimming in cold or open water offers incredible benefits, but it can also put your ears at risk if you’re not using the right protection. Repeated exposure to cold water, especially without ear protection, can lead to a condition known as exostosis, or "surfer’s ear"—a bony growth in the ear canal that can cause blockages, hearing loss, and recurring infections. Fortunately, this is preventable with the use of proper earplugs for water.
Whether you’re training regularly or just enjoying a leisurely swim, ear protection from water should be a priority—particularly in cold conditions or open water environments. Here's how to protect your ears and avoid complications:
Tips for Protecting Your Ears While Swimming
By using ear protectors for water and adopting simple preventative habits, you can enjoy the water safely while reducing your risk of long-term ear damage.
For competitive child swimmers, choosing the right earplugs is essential to ensure both water protection and comfort during intense training or races. The best earplugs for young athletes combine a secure fit with reliable seal performance to keep water out and minimise distractions.
Top Earplug Options for Competitive Swimmer Kids
Designed for smaller ears, Zoggs Aqua Plugz are ergonomically shaped and made from hypoallergenic silicone. They offer a snug, reusable fit and are ideal for swim practice and competition.
When used together, this combo is a favourite among swim coaches and ENT specialists. Putty Buddies are soft, mouldable silicone plugs that float in water, while the Ear Band-It Ultra headband keeps them firmly in place—perfect for high-energy swimmers.
Made by one of the most trusted names in swim gear, Arena’s junior earplugs are ergonomically designed for a secure, pressure-free fit. Their soft material and double flange design make them a solid choice for older children in competitive swim programmes.
These flanged, pre-moulded silicone earplugs provide excellent water protection for competitive swimmers. They’re reusable and come with a convenient case for travel and storage.
When selecting ear protection for your child, always consider ear size, comfort, and how often they swim. For swimmers with a history of ear infections or ear tubes, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for personalised recommendations.
Protecting your ears while swimming is important for preventing infections, discomfort, and long-term issues such as swimmer’s ear or exostosis. Whether you're a recreational swimmer, a parent looking after a child with ear tubes, or someone who swims regularly in cold or open water, choosing the best ear protection for swimming can make a big difference. One of the most effective solutions is combining earplugs with a swim headband. Neoprene headbands are designed to cover the ears and hold earplugs securely in place, adding an extra barrier against water. Popular choices like the Ear Band-It Ultra and Mack’s Ear Band are widely recommended, especially for children, as they’re adjustable, comfortable, and work well during active swimming. For earplugs, mouldable silicone options such as Putty Buddies or Mack’s Pillow Soft are a top pick. They conform to the outer ear, providing a watertight seal without inserting anything deep into the canal. These are especially good for kids and sensitive ears. Older swimmers or those in competitive environments may prefer pre-moulded silicone earplugs, such as those from Speedo or FINIS, which are reusable and shaped to fit the ear canal snugly. For maximum comfort and long-term use, custom-made earplugs from an audiologist offer the best fit and protection, though they come at a higher price point. In short, the best ear protection for swimming often comes down to combining a snug neoprene headband with high-quality earplugs—providing comfort, a secure fit, and peace of mind in the water.
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a common and painful condition in children caused by water getting trapped in the outer ear canal. The best way to prevent it—especially for kids who swim frequently—is by using high-quality, well-fitting earplugs that keep water out while remaining comfortable during movement.
🏆 Top Earplug Brands for Kids
✔️ Pro Tip: For active swimmers, pair earplugs with a headband to keep them in place and add an extra barrier. Always consult your child’s doctor if they have ear tubes or frequent infections.
Protecting your ears while swimming is just as important for adults as it is for children—especially if you swim regularly, are prone to ear infections, or enjoy open water and cold water swims. The best ear protection for swimming adults helps prevent water from entering the ear canal, reducing the risk of conditions like swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) and surfer’s ear (exostosis).
🏆 Top Ear Protection Options for Adults
✔️ Final Tip
Selecting the right silicone earplugs for children is essential to protect their ears during swimming and reduce the risk of infections like swimmer’s ear. Below are some well-rated alternatives known for their comfort, water resistance, and child-friendly design.
🏆 Top Silicone Earplugs for Kids
✅ Tips for Effective Use
By selecting the right brand and using proper techniques, you can ensure your child’s ears stay dry and safe—letting them enjoy the water with confidence.
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For children aged 0–4, choosing the right swimming earplugs is essential to protect their sensitive ears from water-related issues like swimmer’s ear or complications due to ear tubes. At this age, comfort, fit, and safety are the top priorities when selecting ear protection.
With the right earplugs, your little one can enjoy the water safely and comfortably.
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