The decision to wear earplugs while swimming depends on an individual’s ear health and the specific water environment. While the ear has natural defenses against water, compromising these defenses significantly increases the risk of discomfort and infection. Earplugs provide a simple, physical barrier that prevents common water-related ear problems, making them a wise preventative measure for many swimmers. This protection is especially important in high-risk situations or for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Understanding Swimmer’s Ear and Water Hazards
The main risk associated with water exposure is a painful condition known as Otitis Externa, or “Swimmer’s Ear,” which is an infection of the external ear canal. The ear canal naturally maintains a slightly acidic environment, typically with a pH between 4 and 5, which helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. This natural defense is primarily provided by cerumen, commonly known as earwax.
When water remains trapped in the ear canal for extended periods, it washes away this protective cerumen layer and raises the ear canal’s pH, making the environment more alkaline. This shift allows bacteria, most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to multiply rapidly and cause infection. Excess moisture also softens the delicate skin lining the ear canal, creating easy entry points for pathogens.
General water quality contributes to the hazard, as pools, lakes, and oceans can harbor various microorganisms. Even properly chlorinated pools may contain bacteria, and swimming in water contaminated with a high level of pathogens increases the risk of infection. Swimmer’s Ear is distinct from a middle ear infection and is characterized by pain, itching, and sometimes drainage from the outer ear.
Situations Requiring Ear Protection
While not every casual swimmer needs earplugs, certain medical factors make them a necessary precaution. Individuals who have undergone surgery to place tympanostomy tubes, or “ear tubes,” must use ear protection to prevent water from entering the middle ear space. Similarly, anyone with a perforated eardrum or a recent history of ear surgery should consistently use a watertight seal to avoid direct contact between water and the middle ear structures.
People who experience chronic or recurring Otitis Externa should also consider earplugs a mandatory preventative tool. For these individuals, the ear canal’s natural defenses are compromised, and repeated moisture exposure often guarantees another infection. Proactively blocking water entry is the simplest way to interrupt this cycle.
A long-term hazard exists for those who frequently swim in cold water, such as open-water swimmers or surfers. Chronic exposure to cold water and wind can stimulate the growth of benign, bony lumps in the ear canal, a condition called exostosis or “Surfer’s Ear.” These growths narrow the ear canal, making it easier for water and earwax to become trapped, leading to recurrent infections. Using earplugs in water colder than 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) helps prevent this condition by insulating the ear canal.
Selecting and Using Swimming Earplugs
Choosing the right earplug involves selecting a material and style that provides a reliable, watertight seal without causing discomfort. The most common and effective types are moldable silicone putty plugs, designed to cover the outer opening of the ear canal rather than being inserted deep inside. These plugs are highly flexible, conforming to the outer ear shape to create a custom-like barrier. Other options include pre-molded flanged plugs, inserted into the ear canal, or custom-fitted earplugs made from a mold of the individual’s ear.
Custom plugs offer the most secure and comfortable fit. Regardless of the type chosen, proper application is crucial: the plug must be firmly sealed against the skin to completely block water entry.
After swimming, remove the earplugs carefully to avoid damaging the ear canal’s delicate skin. Reusable earplugs must be cleaned with mild soap and water, followed by thorough drying, to maintain hygiene. Storing them in a clean, dry case ensures they remain effective for the next use.