Water entering the ear canal is a common nuisance for swimmers, creating a muffled sensation and leading to irritation. Swimming earplugs provide a reliable barrier against this intrusion, allowing for comfortable and focused time in the water. Choosing the right pair depends on a swimmer’s specific needs and the unique anatomy of their ear. Understanding the different types and proper usage is the first step toward a worry-free aquatic experience.
Why Use Swimming Ear Plugs
The primary medical reason for wearing earplugs is to prevent acute otitis externa, commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear. This infection occurs because water trapped in the ear canal alters the skin’s natural acidic balance, creating a moist, warm environment where bacteria can thrive. Keeping the ear canal dry significantly reduces this risk, especially when swimming in pools with chlorine or natural bodies of water.
Earplugs are important for individuals with compromised ear health. Those with tympanostomy tubes require a watertight seal to prevent water from entering the middle ear, which could lead to a serious infection. Similarly, anyone with a perforated eardrum must ensure no water reaches the middle ear cavity. Using earplugs also helps prevent exostosis, or Surfer’s Ear, a condition where chronic exposure to cold water and wind causes new bone growth in the ear canal.
Types of Ear Plugs for Water Protection
Moldable silicone putty plugs are popular because they form a custom seal over the outer ear canal opening without deep insertion. This material offers an excellent, watertight barrier and is generally comfortable because it does not exert pressure deep inside the ear. A drawback is their limited reusability, as they quickly lose tackiness and collect dirt, requiring frequent replacement.
Pre-molded, or flanged, earplugs are typically made of soft silicone or plastic and feature a conical shape with two or three flexible rings. These flanges are inserted into the outer ear canal to create a seal, providing a reusable and durable option. While they are easy to insert and often allow for better sound transmission than putty plugs, achieving a consistently secure fit can be challenging due to variations in ear canal size and shape.
Custom-molded earplugs represent the gold standard for swimmers who spend a great deal of time in the water. These are created using a physical impression of the ear taken by an audiologist, resulting in a perfect fit that offers maximum comfort and a superior, long-term watertight seal. Although they have the highest initial cost, their durability and reliable performance make them a cost-effective investment for dedicated athletes or individuals with recurrent ear issues.
Wax plugs are a less common alternative that also conform to the outer ear opening, similar to silicone putty. While they offer a soft, comfortable seal, they tend to be less durable in water and break down more easily than their silicone counterparts. Wax is typically better suited for temporary use or for water activities where the head remains mostly above the surface.
Key Factors for Selecting the Right Pair
Selecting the best earplugs involves prioritizing a secure, watertight seal. A proper seal can often be confirmed by a subtle change in the sound of your own voice, which should sound muffled or more internal once the plug is correctly seated. For reusable plugs, testing for a slight suction effect when gently wiggling the plug can also indicate a good seal.
Comfort, especially during extended use, is determined by the plug’s material and how much pressure it exerts. Flanged plugs that fit poorly can cause uncomfortable pressure points inside the ear canal, while moldable plugs that cover only the outer ear tend to be more comfortable for long sessions. The plug’s buoyancy is also a practical consideration, as models made from light, floatable silicone are easily retrieved if they accidentally fall out during a swim.
For children or in open water environments, visibility is an important safety feature. Choosing plugs in bright colors like neon green or orange makes them much easier to locate if they are dropped or dislodged. Considering the plug’s durability and reusability versus its cost helps determine the best value for a casual swimmer compared to a competitive athlete.
Proper Insertion and Care
Proper insertion is necessary for a watertight barrier and differs depending on the plug type. For moldable silicone plugs, the material should first be rolled into a smooth ball and slightly warmed between the fingers to increase pliability. The plug is then flattened and pressed firmly over the outer ear canal opening, ensuring it fully covers the entrance without being pushed deep inside the canal.
For pre-molded or flanged plugs, the process requires straightening the ear canal to facilitate a secure fit. This is done by reaching over the head and gently pulling the outer ear upward and backward before inserting the plug with a slight twisting motion. Ensure the plug is inserted only to the depth of comfort, leaving enough of the stem exposed for easy removal.
Routine maintenance is necessary to prevent the buildup of bacteria and extend the lifespan of reusable earplugs. After each use, plugs should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water, or simply rinsed and allowed to air dry completely. Storing them in a ventilated case helps prevent moisture from being trapped, which encourages bacterial growth and compromises the material’s integrity.