The Best Swim Ear Plugs For Kids: Safe Fun

Whether you are planning for a summer vacation or year-round swimming, you may be exploring your options in waterproof earplugs.

Children have a higher risk of developing swimmer’s ear than adults, but swimmer’s ear is not the only reason to consider swim ear plugs for kids. Let’s dive into the top considerations and how to select the most effective option for your family. 

Can Kids Swim With Ear Plugs?

 

Yes, kids (and adults) can swim with ear plugs, but they must be waterproof. Standard earplugs may keep the water out for a minute or two, but water will quickly seep in. So, you must invest in wax or custom-fit swimming ear plugs. For maximum comfort, hygiene, and protection we suggest a custom-fit. 

Can’t My Kids Just Wear a Swim Cap?

While swim caps will minimize the amount of water that enters the ear canal, they do not keep all water out. 

When Should Kids Wear Swim Ear Plugs?

 

Many audiologists suggest that kids (and adults) wear ear plugs anytime they swim in untreated water. This includes lakes, rivers, estuaries, and oceans. This prevents bacteria from entering the ear canal. Chlorinated and saltwater pools kill bacteria, but bacteria are one of many reasons to wear ear protection. 

Swimming ear plugs for kids are also suggested if they:

• Have tubes.
• Have any level of hearing loss.
• Are prone to ear infections.
• Have recently recovered from swimmer’s ear.
• Have recently recovered from an ear infection.
• Have chronic drainage or ear problems. 
• Are recovering from ear surgery. 

If swimmer’s ear or an ear infection is active, kids should wait until their infection has cleared before swimming.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

 

One of the top reasons to invest in ear plugs for kids is to minimize the risk of swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections. Swimmer’s ear refers to an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal. It occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal of one or both ears. This diagnosis is more common in kids, as their smaller ear canals do not drain as efficiently as adults. 

Middle ear infections are caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Kids are also more likely to get middle ear infections as their eustachian tubes are shorter than adults. This provides bacteria with a shorter route to the middle ear. 

What Are The Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear?

Symptoms start out mild and progress without treatment. Treatment typically consists of any combination of prescription ear drops, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and drying ears with a hair dryer after bathing.

Symptoms include:

• Itching inside the ear.
• Redness inside the ear.
• Pain when touching the ear.
• Clear or yellow ear drainage.
• Muffled hearing.
• One or both ears feel plugged.

Can My Child Go Swimming With Tubes in His Ears?

 

Yes! Children with ear tubes can take swimming lessons, go to pool parties, and swim while on vacation. To maintain the integrity of their tubes, many audiologists suggest wearing swim ear plugs for kids. 

Ear tubes are prescribed for children who have chronic ear infections. They may also be prescribed to improve hearing for children with hearing loss and speech delay. In addition to custom-fit ear protection, evaluating your child for hearing loss is one of the many services we offer at Audiology Island.

What Are The Best Swim Ear Plugs For Kids?

 

You can find waterproof wax ear plugs that will keep water out, but they have a few downsides. Although designed to be moldable, kids are not always patient enough to ensure a proper fit. It is also hard for parents to feel if moldable options fit properly. This increases the likelihood of them falling out.

Wax ear plugs are not the most hygienic option and can only be worn once or twice before they need to be swapped out. If your child is an avid swimmer, you will go through wax swimming ear plugs rapidly. If kids do not store their wax molds properly or wear them more than twice, it poses hygiene concerns—including an increased risk for ear infections.

Custom-Made Ear Plugs Are The Best

Audiology Island suggests custom-made swim molds. These are fast and easy to insert because they are made to fit your child’s unique ear contours. They provide maximum comfort, are reusable, and can be sanitized between use. If they accidentally fall out, they are easy to find because they float in water!

Your kids can choose from a wide range of fun colors, including options with glitter! We also provide custom hearing protection for gaming, options that slide over earbuds for watching movies and listening to music, and options that provide protection for other high-noise environments.  

Looking For Custom Swim Ear Plugs For Kids?

 

If you live in or around Staten Island, schedule an appointment with Audiology Island for ear molds of any kind. Audiologist Dr. Stella Fulman will mold a comfortable and protective custom fit. 

Reach out if you have any other questions regarding kids and swim ear plugs—or any other ear health concerns!