Do you love swimming? Are you most comfortable underwater? Do you want to continue the enjoyment of swimming? We suggest that you take precautions like protecting your ears with swimming earplugs. In this blog post we will run you through the reason why you need to look after your ears when swimming. We will also examine some of the best swimming earplugs out there so that you can decide which one is for you.
The Importance of Ear Protection While Swimming
While swimming is an excellent form of exercise and recreation, it’s essential to protect your ears from potential harm. Water exposure can lead to a range of ear-related problems, including:
- Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa): This painful condition occurs when water remains trapped in the ear canal, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Symptoms include ear pain, itching, redness, and potential hearing loss.
- Ear Infections: Water remaining in the ear can also lead to middle ear infections, causing discomfort, fever, and potential hearing impairment.
- Eardrum Rupture: Diving or sudden pressure changes can cause a ruptured eardrum, resulting in pain, bleeding, and potential hearing loss.
- Surfer’s Ear (Exostosis): Repeated exposure to cold water can lead to the development of bony growths in the ear canal, which can cause hearing loss and increase the risk of ear infections.
By wearing high-quality swimming earplugs, you can effectively prevent these issues and enjoy a safer, more comfortable swimming experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of ear protection – your ears are valuable assets that deserve proper care and attention.
Are we all created equal, it seems not!
If you are a swimmer, you have to take care to prevent water from getting into your ears in order to keep infections away. Some people can swim without the need for ear protection, but for those who have perforated eardrums, wearing swimming earplugs is imperative. Why is there such a big difference?
The external auditory canals come in different forms. Some people have external auditory canals that are narrow, while others have wider ear canals which let water in easier.
Even so, all swimmers can get “swimmer’s ear” or outer ear infections at any time.
Do you know about “swimmer’s ear”?
Any act of bathing can result in an outer ear infection. Therefore, some water will stay in the external auditory canal which results in dampness and can ultimately lead to natural bacterial and fungal growth. There are other ways of getting swimmer’s ear besides bathing.
Ear canal irritation can also cause outer ear infections, which could be a result of overusing cotton buds, which can trigger the build-up of earwax and dead skin cells. But, the earwax in the external ear canal is a barrier to infection and dampness.
Why do you need to wear swimming earplugs?
Swimmer’s ear isn’t usually serious, but it is important to protect yourself from the accompanying inconveniences!
Below are the advantages of wearing swimming earplugs:
- They stop water from getting into the auditory canal;
- They protect against earaches;
- They guard against both ear infections and irritations;
- They allow users to have fun with swimming even when they have a perforated eardrum.
Even so, a number of safeguards should be used whenever wearing swimming earplugs, like refraining from submerging your head too deeply.
According to Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the deeper you dive underwater, the water pressure on the eardrum greatly increases. Consequently, people are in danger of harming their eardrum at depths of over 1 meter. Take this warning seriously!
How to Choose the Right Swimming Earplugs
Selecting the perfect pair of swimming earplugs can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial to ensure your comfort and protect your ears. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Consider the Fit: Earplugs should fit snugly without causing discomfort. Look for options with different sizes or adjustable features to find the perfect fit for your ear canal.
- Assess the Material: Swimming earplugs are typically made from silicone, foam, or wax. Silicone and wax are more durable and reusable, while foam earplugs are disposable. Choose a material that suits your preferences and budget.
- Prioritise Comfort: Comfort is key when wearing earplugs for extended periods. If they feel “wrong” in your ears you won’t enjoy wearing them and you won’t enjoy your swim. Look for soft, flexible materials that won’t irritate your ears during long swimming sessions.
- Opt for Water-Resistant Options: Water resistance is essential for earplugs designed for swimming. Look for products specifically labeled as “swimming earplugs” or “waterproof earplugs” to ensure they provide adequate protection against water intrusion.
- Consider Noise Reduction: If you’re sensitive to loud noises or prefer a quieter swimming environment, look for earplugs that offer noise reduction capabilities.
- Check for Additional Features: Some earplugs come with handy features like attached cords to prevent loss, carrying cases for easy storage, or adjustable vents for pressure equalization.
- Read Reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other swimmers to get an idea of the earplugs’ performance, durability, and overall user experience.
Remember, the right pair of swimming earplugs can make a significant difference in your swimming experience. Take the time to explore your options and prioritize comfort, fit, and protection for your ears.
Best Earplugs for Swimming
Here’s our choice of the best earplugs for swimming. It’s a great selection that will meet all needs, whatever your budget.
1. Quies Silicone Earplugs for Swimmers
For any swimmer, Quies Silicone Earplugs for Swimmers are a great choice. Water is kept out of the ear with these silicone earplugs from Quies. You can use them in the swimming pool, the sea, or in the shower. They form a completely waterproof seal due to their malleable and slightly adherent texture. Water-sensitive ears should opt for these hypoallergenic earplugs. Another bonus is that they slightly attenuate sound, but not entirely, which allows you to remain aware in the water.
Buy Quies Silicone Earplugs for Swimmers from Zoom Health for £5.99
2. Speedo Ergo Aquatic Earplugs
With their ergonomic design and tailored fit, these swimming earplugs are ideal for swimming. In addition to being easy to wear in and out, Ergo Ear Plugs are specifically designed to be comfortable on the ears while underwater. Enjoy a comfortable, secure fit while keeping water out of your ears. For safe storage, these earplugs come with a reusable case.
Buy Speedo Ergo Aquatic Earplugs from Zoom Health for £6.99
3. Speedo Biofuse Aquatic Earplugs
Whether you’re swimming in the pool or open water, these BioFUSE earplugs are an essential bit of kit. By offering superior comfort and fit through design, BioFUSE allows you to focus on your swimming instead of your earplugs.
Buy Speedo Biofuse Aquatic Earplugs from Zoom Health for £7.99
4. Noise-x Adults Swimmers Earplugs
Noise-x Swimmers ear plugs provide the most comfortable fit for swimming. Designed for regular wear, you can gently clean these reusable earplugs in warm soapy water every so often. They will last for weeks of use.
To make these swimming earplugs as easy to use as possible, Noise-x have designed them to be quick to insert. Presented in an attractive durable travel case, these are made from soft silicone. Orange Noise-X Swimmers earplugs come in a pack of one pair.
Buy Noise-x Adults Swimmers Earplugs from Zoom Health for £3.99
5. Swim Plugz Adult Swim Earplugs – 2 Pairs
Designed to reduce water pressure and infection risk, these swim earplugs provide enhanced comfort. They are suitable for ear canals with a diameter of 9mm to 14mm and are the perfect choice for swimming on holidays and during leisure time. This 2 pair pack is great value for money. A safety cord is provided to prevent loss of the plugs
Buy Swim Plugz Adult Swim Earplugs from Zoom Health for £3.99
6. ClearEars Water Absorbing Earplugs
These earplugs are designed to be worn after you have left the pool or the sea. After swimming or bathing, water trapped in the ears may cause Swimmer’s Ear, a very uncomfortable condition. After getting out of the water, insert earplugs and leave them in place for 5 – 10 minutes. Once the plugs are taken out of your ears, your ears should be free of any trapped water.
In order to keep ears dry, ClearEars contain an FDA-approved polymer and are made of a soft, comfortable material. ClearEars are safer and more convenient than ear drops for adults and children
Buy ClearEars Water Absorbing Earplugs from Zoom Health for £8.99
7. Haspro Swim Earplugs for Swimming
With Haspro Swim earplugs, the wearer is provided with effective protection against the penetration of water in a swimming pool environment. Built-in noise-reducing technology and clever construction reduce irritating background noise, while still allowing easy communication. Water-logged ears can be painful and uncomfortable. These earplugs mean that you can relax at the pool and enjoy your time knowing that your hearing is fully protected.
Buy Haspro Swim Earplugs from Zoom Health for £11.99
8. Zoggs Aqua-Plugz Swimming Earplugs
Zoggs Aqua Plugz Swimming Earplugs are well-known in the swimming world for their superior protection, comfort and convenience. These swimming earplugs feature a soft, silicone material that sits comfortably over the ear and provides a reliable seal to keep water out and prevent hearing damage. The protection they offer helps to prevent bacterial and fungal infections in the ear as well.
Aqua Plugz Swimming Earplugs are easy to clean and store. They come with a special case that can easily be carried in a swimming bag or locker. Additionally, their silicone material is highly durable and can withstand multiple uses. This means you don’t have to worry about replacing them after each use. Overall, Zoggs Aqua Plugz Swimming Earplugs are an excellent choice for swimmers looking for hearing protection and comfort while they’re in the water.
Buy Zoggs Aqua-Plugz Swimming Earplugs from Zoom Health for £6.99
Photo “The Swimmer” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
