It’s a small thing, but for many swimmers, earplugs are an important accessory. We have prepared all the important information for you in one place. Learn how to choose the right earplugs.
What are earplugs for?
Earplugs prevent water from entering the ear and ea. They prevent inflammation of the inner ear canal and other damage that can occur in the ear in connection with water. Professionally, this is called „swimmers“ or „surfers“ ear. Therefore, anyone who has these problems or simply doesn’t like water in the ears should use earplugs. It is important to choose the right one for your ear, to avoid possible infections or pain because of the wrong size, and prevent water from entering the ears.
What are the types of earplugs?
Flanged earplugs are conical in shape with several flanges that look like a dome or a cone and they act as a barrier against water. They are designed to fit inside the ear canal. Flanged earplugs are the most sold ones and they are reusable, making them a good starting point for beginners. The more flanges the earplugs have, the tighter they are. We recommend the
Speedo BioFUSE Aquatic because they have the most flanges. With good care, they can withstand many kilometres of swimming, just wash them at home with lukewarm water and let them dry.
Ergonomic earplugs are shaped to fit snugly in the ear and lie flat against the outer ear. A pair of ergonomic earplugs are specially shaped for the right and left ear.
Plasticine silicone earplugs are the best choice for those who don’t like earplugs stuck in the ear canal. The plasticine silicone earplug forms into a ball and „sticks“ on the ear hole against the outer ear. The disadvantage of plasticine silicone earplugs is that they are suitable only for a few uses. They can’t be washed, they attract dust, earwax and other impurities. These earplugs should be applied before entering the water. In colder water, the silicone can harden and it’s harder to shape them, you will need to warm them in your palms. Plasticine silicone earplugs also harden over time and lose their characteristics. After a few uses, you will need to buy new ones, but they still have a great sealing effect.
How to use earplugs correctly?
First of all, it should be noted that the earplugs are not suitable for diving. This isn’t an issue when diving up to about one or two meters under the water's surface and snorkelling. This is relevant for deeper diving, it is a matter of correct equalization of pressure in the ears, and soon as you reach the point that makes it impossible for the ears, with the earplugs, there is a risk of more serious problems. It is the same in an aeroplane, for example when you need the pressure equalization to work correctly. Do not use force when putting the earplugs in your ears, due to the individual shape of the ears, they will fit a little differently for everyone.
Which earplugs to choose for children?
Children love water games until their ears are filled with water. High-quality earplugs for children will help prevent unpleasant feelings in the ears and ear infections. In fact,
children’s earplugs are the same shape as adult models but in a smaller size. They take into account all the structural features of the small and narrow ear canal and perfectly protect the child from ear infections that may occur after being in the pool. We highly recommend considering plasticine silicone earplugs for children, but they require adult assistance when putting them in and taking them out. Also, we highly recommend covering the earplugs with a
swimming cap, not only there will be less risk of losing the earplugs, but the chances of water leaking in the ears are also minimal.
Final tip:
We recommend using a swimming cap with earplugs. With a swimming cap, you cover the earplugs, minimizing the risk of losing the plugs and also multiplying their protection. Avoid „terrestrial“ cotton, foam, or wax noise-cancelling earplugs. They are not suitable for water activities, they absorb water and lose their function. Noise-cancelling earplugs are not the same as swimming earplugs, they are a completely different type.
