Swimming - ear plugs or not?

[eastendanto]

Being a keen swimmer 4-5 days a week I wear ear plugs as is my swimming style (head under water when swimming, rather then above water all the time). Original reason was because I would get ear infections and have to go through the process of it clearing up before swimming again. Recently caught an ear infection whilst wearing ear plugs....and back on the sidelines again. Doc seems to think be better off not wearing ear plugs...

Views anyone?

[SoiBiker]

I usually wear foam in-ear headphones when swimming - never had a problem.

[thai3]

• I almost permanently have ear plugs in, don't see how you can get an infection from them, wax ones I use due to the noise, dogs, music, the mrs etc

[jadee]

I swim five days a week and always use earplugs, just basic flanged ones, not molded or anything fancy. I've never had an ear infection from swimming but years ago I did get an ear infection from wearing earplugs at night to sleep, I was reusing earplugs and my doctor identified the cause. So perhaps in your case, reusing earplugs when swimming is causing an issue.
A few ideas:
you could use silicone molded earplugs, they help prevent 'swimmer's ear'.
or experiment with a few different types or earplug to get a watertight fit,
You could sterilize your earplugs after you swim to prevent infection.
wear a latex swim hat - another barrier that stops water getting into your ears,

use ear drops to dry out your ears after you swim,

[kbelyeu]

I have never used them and have never had an ear infection.. also I dive and swim regularly.

Kurt

[augustwest]

Clear your ears with alcohol! I'm so tired of saying this and will probably be me last time!

[thai3]

Never heard of that, leo or chang?

[MikeyIdea]

From my own experience:I am prone to ear infections and earplugs do really help

In my case, infection or not depends on how much (swimming pool) water that comes in. Never had a problem in a saltwater pool or the sea

[thai3]

Never swam in my life and never intend to

[SoiBiker]

Never swam in my life and never intend to

I guess if you ever fall off a boat then, you'll just drown.

[tifino]

earplugs, yes...

... and don't forget a plug for the urethra - those tiny mites are even worse!!

[thai3]

Never swam in my life and never intend to

I guess if you ever fall off a boat then, you'll just drown.

Don't go on 'em

[CaptHaddock]

Always wear ear plugs and never had an infection. Also wear nose plugs because of sinus reaction to chlorine. Keep the nasties out.

[burgdawg]

...I swim everyday, do not use ear plugs or nose plugs.

Best is to tailor your own hygiene. Smart to rinse ears out 1-2 xs weekly with blend of hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol.

Some folks get ear infections on a regular basis....

[mark5335]

having had an inner ear infection that took 18 months to fully recover from (sense of balance etc), since then I would never go swimming again without them.

Edited July 24, 2016 by mark5335

[SantiSuk]

I have never used them and have never had an ear infection.. also I dive and swim regularly.

Kurt

+1. Luck of the draw I guess. That and maybe the fact I am my own pool boy and assiduous with the chemistry.

[i used to get infections (otitis externa) all the time from poking a finger in my ear before I moved to Thailand and had a pool built. I suspect I still do it absent mindedly - to dislodge perceived wax build up (hope noone is eating) - so perhaps the mildly chlorinated water with no contaminated combined chorine offers some protection)

[eastendanto]

Hi all, thanks for the feedback though wonder why thai3 felt it important that we know they do not swim and have no intention of....(must of been bored and fancied a tease).

Finished course of antibiotic ear spray from docs and think will stick with the ear plugs for the time being as I was susceptible to ear infection when swimming without them.

Happy swimming all...

[ClutchClark]

On July 22, 2016 at 11:14 PM, augustwest said:

Clear your ears with alcohol! I'm so tired of saying this and will probably be me last time!

Even better 

1/3 Vinegar

2/3 Alcohol

[Lowriesuzanne]

I swim 2 hours every morning. I scuba also. I use a swim snorkel and exhale through the nose. I try to keep out all water. Alcohol and water=magic ear. Over the counter ear-eye antibiotic drops work well. In the ocean I wear a 2mm neoprene cap with a chin strap. I apply magic-ear and the antibiotic drops.

[offset]

My son had an ear infection went and see a E.N.T. specialist I said I will buy some ear plugs for him, I was advised not to bother they are not needed for normal swimming just told my son not to put his fingers or anything else in his ears, all cleared up in 5 days

[chubby]

.......and did the MD give you a reason    or you just to take it on faith, what do you imagine causes ear infections ? trapped water from having the plug in during swimming ?

[MuntyC0re]

Whether you’re looking to prevent water from getting into the inner ear, which can lead to pesky problems such as swimmers’ ear and general ear infections or just some simple peace and quiet, earplugs can be your best friend. I have MACK’S AQUABLOCK earplugs , $2 at amazon. Comes in a 2-pack and includes a shatter-proof case.