Swimming earplugs aren’t just a trendy accessory for swimmers — if you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you’ve experienced one of the typical ear problems that come with spending time in the pool or the sea.
Swimming and ear pain
Most of this discomfort comes from an outer ear infection, which brings ear discomfort along with it, sometimes with discharge, and in more severe cases, hearing loss if the infection reaches the eardrum.
Outer ear infections are much more common in summer, and affect children more than adults.
Once you have symptoms, it’s important to see an ENT doctor for treatment, as well as preventing water from getting in with a pair of earplugs.
Why is it important to use swimming earplugs?
In hearing health, as in many other areas, the best way to deal with problems is to prevent them, and if you’ve ever had an outer ear infection, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be — which is exactly why swimming earplugs matter.
Using earplugs is important both in the pool and in open water like the sea, since outer ear infections stem from water and moisture staying inside the ear canal, creating an environment where bacteria, and in some cases fungi, can thrive.
The ear’s natural way of protecting itself against these agents is earwax, which is why excessive cleaning and the use of cotton buds isn’t recommended, as we mentioned in our previous post.
What are the best earplugs for swimming?
Whatever sport you’re doing, in our view, the best way to protect your ears from water is with custom-made swimming earplugs, since this is the best way to guarantee the entire ear canal is sealed off by the earplug.
Custom-made earplugs also have the advantage of only fitting one way, so once inserted, they’re very unlikely to shift, preventing water from getting in and reducing the risk of losing them in the sea or the pool.
If you’re thinking about getting custom-made earplugs, you can ask us for a quote and get in touch with any questions, with no obligation, by filling in this form:
The process for making custom earplugs is simple — you just need to come to one of our centres so we can take a mould of your ear. From that mould, the custom earplug is made, and you’ll be booked in for a fitting appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, using earplugs for swimming is essential to prevent water from getting into the ear canal, which helps avoid infections such as outer ear infections. They also protect the ear from chemicals found in pools, such as chlorine, which can cause irritation.
Swimming earplugs offer several benefits: they prevent infections, keep out water and irritants, improve comfort while swimming, and can help you concentrate by reducing background noise.
Yes, there are earplugs specifically designed for children, which fit comfortably in their ears and offer the same protection against water and infections. It’s important to make sure they’re the right size to ensure they’re effective and comfortable.
If water does get through, it could be due to a poor fit or a damaged earplug. In that case, gently dry your ear and avoid inserting anything into it. If you notice discomfort or a blocked-ear feeling, get it checked as soon as possible.
At BienestarAudio, we offer custom-made options that fit the shape of your ear perfectly, guaranteeing maximum protection and comfort while swimming.
