Last Updated on November 26, 2023 by admin
In this article, we will provide advice, hacks and tips on the benefits of wearing swimming earplugs for competitive swimmers.
Many of the competitive swimmers who wear earplugs, usually do so as a result of suffering from a previous ear infection, commonly referred to as ‘swimmer’s ear’.
- Swimmer’s ear is caused by water being trapped inside the swimmer’s ear, which facilitates the build-up of bacteria in the ear canal.
- This can initially cause itching, redness and swelling, which if left untreated can become inflamed and extremely painful.
- Although children are more likely to get swimmer’s ear because of their narrow ear canals, it is not an uncommon condition for adult competitive swimmers.
Related article on swimmer’s ear
We have produced a related article on swimmer’s ear. You can view it by clicking this link: swimmer’s ear.
- Some swimmers also wear earplugs to prevent water from going into their ears, which they find uncomfortable.
- A few swimmers who produce excessive ear wax wear earplugs, as water can cause the ear wax to expand and fill the ear canal.
- This can affect their hearing and balance.
Considerations when buying swimming earplugs
The main considerations when buying swimming earplugs are,
- Are the earplugs comfortable?
- Do they keep the water from entering the ears?
- Do they stay in the ear whilst swimming, especially when starting and turning?
Types of earplugs
Fortunately, there are several types of earplugs suitable for competitive swimmers.
- However, we do not recommend the use of foam earplugs for competitive swimmers.
- Their main use is to reduce noise.
- They are generally a poor fit and they are not very effective at keeping the water out of a swimmer’s ears.
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Silicone earplugs are a popular and effective choice for many competitive swimmers.
- Produced by all of the major swimming brands.
- Usually consists of two shaped plugs specifically for the left and right ear.
- Usually easy to clean and hardwearing.
Recommended silicone earplugs
Many of our swimmers use and recommend Zoggs Aqua Plugz Ear Plugs.
- They are made from one-piece silicone they find them comfortable and a good fit for keeping the water out of their ears.
- Ergonomically shaped to fit the outer ear for a comfortable watertight fit.
- The set includes one pair of earplugs and a carry case, each earplug is marked with an R (right) L (left)
- Handy carry case with two holes on the bottom for ventilation
- Reusable earplugs simply wash them in clean cold water after every use and store them in the case.
- Available in adult size or junior size (6-14 years) and made from hypo-allergenic 100 percent silicone.
Silicone putty earplugs are a popular and effective choice for many competitive swimmers.
- They are usually made from a mouldable silicone that can be shaped and fitted into the ear.
- This can provide the swimmers with a watertight custom fit.
- However, they are harder to clean than silicone earplugs (see above) and with regular use, each pair may only last for a few weeks.
Recommended silicone putty earplugs
Some of our swimmers use and recommend Zoggs Silicone Reusable Ear Plugs
- Mould the shape of each plug to fit the outer ear only for an ultra-comfortable watertight fit when swimming.
- The set includes four soft pliable silicone putty earplugs per pack and a handy travel carry case.
- Washable and reusable earplugs, simply wash them in clean cold water after every use and store in case, replace plugs when they lose tackiness or will not reform into a ball shape.
- Can be worn by children and adults. When used by children they should be carefully supervised.
- For use in water activities, made from hypoallergenic 100 percent silicone.
Swimming earplug alternatives
Some swimmers prefer to use specially formulated drops or oils as an alternative to earplugs to help keep their ears healthy. These include,
Swimming ear drops
Some of our swimmers use SwimSeal Ear Drops before they swim, to help protect their ears from trapped water, which could lead to an ear infection (swimmer’s ear).
- Applying 2-3 drops to each ear before swimming, diving, surfing, showering, hair washing and any water exposure – will protect your ears by preventing harmful trapped water.
- The proven safe and effective protection for your ears
- Lining the ear canal with this water-repellent coating prevents water-related discomfort and pain.
- Helps to prevent infections such as swimmer’s ear.
- No build-up in the ear, and unlike earplugs will not affect hearing or balance- no discomfort.
- Contains no alcohol: will not sting, irritate or damage the delicate skin inside the ears-safe for all ages from 6 months.
- Each bottle contains at least 100 applications – very cost-effective.
Swim Tea Tree Oil
Some of our swimmers use Earol Swim Tea Tree Oil to help protect their ears from trapped water.
- Tea tree oil delivers a metered dose of a unique blend of olive oil and tea tree oil.
- The outer ear finely coats the auditory canal creating a water-resistant barrier.
- It helps prevent the incidence of trapped water and swimmer’s ear.
- The carry has been designed to float if dropped into the water.
Please note: Although olive oil is a natural product, we advise any swimmer to consult their medical professional before using Earol Swim Oil, especially if they have ongoing ear conditions.
Related article on rehabilitation from swimming injuries or ailments
We have produced a related article on rehabilitation from swimming injuries or ailments. You can view it by clicking this link: rehabilitation from swimming injuries or ailments.
Swimming equipment
We have provided a recommended swimming equipment page.
- It contains swimming equipment that we and our swimmers use and recommend.
- You can access this page by clicking on the following link: swimming equipment.
Swimming Publications
We produce a growing range of publications on a wide range of swimming subjects.
- These include competitive swimming drill publications for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.
- Which are now available in both Amazon Kindle and paperback formats.
- For information regarding our portfolio please follow our link: Swimming publications.
Swimming Resource Library
We have produced a swimming resource library.
- This contains links to all of our blog posts.
- These are subdivided by swimming category.
Categories include: Swimmer Development | Swimmers Health | Swimming Coaching | Swimming Competition | Swimming Drills | Swimming Dryland/Land Training | Swimming Equipment | Swimming Psychology | Swimming Training.
- To access any article simply click on the attached page link: swimming resource library.
The Competitive Swimming Exchange – Facebook Group
The Competitive Swimming Exchange is a Facebook group to help exchange ideas and information to collectively improve the sport we love.
- It’s an international group for all swimmers, coaches, teachers, masters, triathletes and swimming parents.
- It’s for all those who are interested in competitive swimming, either in the pool or in open water.
For more information about joining this group please use the following link: The Competitive Swimming Exchange
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