Swimming earplugs keep water out of the ear to prevent infections and hearing loss. They should be made of silicone, rubber, or foam, and labeled for swimming. Earplugs should not be shared, and should be washed and replaced regularly. Care should be taken when inserting and removing earplugs to avoid hearing damage. Swimmers with ear infections should avoid water, even with earplugs.
Swimming earplugs are earplugs designed to keep water out of the ear, allowing people to swim or participate in other water sports without getting water in their ears. Earplugs are highly recommended for swimming, especially in the case of people who swim frequently, because swimmers are at risk of developing ear infections due to frequent irritation with water. Infections that occur as a result of swimming are appropriately known as “swimmer’s ear” and can be painful and uncomfortable. Also, repeated infections can contribute to hearing loss, which is highly undesirable.
Different materials can be used for swim earplugs, including silicone, rubber, and foam. Some swimmers like to use wax earplugs, but this is not recommended, because wax is very sensitive to heat and can melt in the ear. All swim earplugs are designed to fit snugly in the ear canal, creating a seal so no water can get past the earplug. When purchasing earplugs for swimming, it is important to confirm that they are specifically labeled for use in swimming.
Earplugs are generally reusable, but some precautions should be observed when reusing earplugs. Reusable earplugs should never be shared with other people and should be washed with alcohol or other cleaning fluid after use. After two weeks of use, they should be discarded. Many swim supply companies sell large containers of affordable swim earplugs, so there’s no reason to reuse old earplugs.
Care should also be taken when inserting and removing earplugs. Most earplugs are inserted by rolling the plug in your fingers so it flattens and narrows, then carefully inserting it into your ear and holding it there for a moment as it inflates again, filling the ear canal. When earplugs are removed, they must not be torn from the ear, as this can cause hearing damage. Instead, one side should be gently pulled down to allow air to enter the ear, breaking the seal and causing the earplug to fall out.
If a swimmer’s ears are infected or irritated, it’s a good idea to stay out of the water, even with earplugs on, because water could exacerbate the infection. Wearing swimming earplugs for every water visit will greatly reduce the risk of infection, especially if earplugs are cleaned and replaced regularly, meaning less time will be lost swimming due to ear infections .
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