Kids and Ear Plugs for Swimming: What You Should Know

Ear Plugs for Swimming - With the arrival of summer, many parents are concerned about keeping their children healthy as the time increases in the pool. For children with recurrent infections, such as the swimmer's ear (otitis externa) of middle ear infections (otitis media) or ventilation tubes, the best bet is often to ear plugs for swimming. But with so many types on the market, which are better for your child, and which are really necessary? 
  

To begin with, ear plugs for swimming prevent infection like otitis externa, keeping ears dry. Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is a common skin infection of the external auditory canal. When water trapped in the ear contains bacteria, it can cause skin infection that results in painful swelling and inflammation.

Use Recommended Ear Plugs

Some doctors also recommend swimming ear plugs for children with ventilation tubes. Ventilation tubes are small cylinders that have been placed through the eardrum in the case of recurrent middle ear infections to allow fluid to flow. But other doctors differ in their thinking and recommend regular use of ear plugs for swimming only by scuba diving or swimming in untreated water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.

 

The argument for limited use in the case of ventilation tubes is based on the fact that the surface tension of the water will prevent water from entering the ventilation tubes, at least one child does not swim 3 feet or more underwater should not be a problem. To this end, children with ventilation tubes should also use ear plugs for swimming whenever the ears are immersed in soapy water in the bathtub, as the soap acts as a lubricant to reduce surface tension and allow the water to enter the tubes.

 
Even without ventilation tubes, swimming can present risks for children with ear infections from current or previous surgery. Although swimming does not cause middle ear infections, ear plugs for swimming should be used so that water contaminants do not make an existing infection worse. Keep in mind also that nothing under the water can cause painful pressure changes for children with ear infections. And in the case of acute otitis media, also known as an ear infection with a perforated eardrum, swimming should be completely avoided until the infection is gone. 

Types of Ear Plugs for Swimming

There are two types of swimming ear plugs available; Custom made ear plugs and one size fits all pharmacy or pharmacy swimming outlets. Both are effective in keeping your ears dry, but each type has certain pros and cons. Your professional hearing care can help you make recommendations for the right kind of treatment for your child. 

   
If you choose the path on the custom made ear plugs for swimming, they should be checked by a hearing professional. The advantage of the custom bathing cap is that they tend to be of higher quality, and therefore last longer. Hygiene is also a factor; they are reusable and washable. Your hearing care professional will help you find the brand that best suits your child's needs.

Disadvantage of Custom Ear Plugs 

One disadvantage of custom ear plugs for swimming is that they are expensive. Ear plugs are easily lost, and convenient for both ear plugs are more difficult and more expensive to replace one size for all types that are easily found in the pharmacy. An ear bath band, especially a compact group that helps keep ear plugs in place, can be useful if you decide to go the personalized route. Keep in mind also that they are more difficult to insert, and most children will need help from an adult. 

Ear Plugs for all size

The other option is a size for all ear plugs available at the pharmacy, even if they do not have their advantages and disadvantages. Usually made of silicone or putty, they are easily available and less expensive than custom made ear plugs for swimming. This means that when they are lost, it is a common phenomenon with ear plugs for swimming, which are faster, easier and less expensive to replace. They do not require a custom fit and often come in bright colors so that they are easy to locate at the bottom of the pool or around the pool deck. One size fits all ear plugs are also easy for children to be themselves, and usually do not require the help of an adult. 

Keep it clean

The biggest problem with size for all ear plugs is that they are not washable, and therefore not very hygienic. Due to the accumulation of wax and debris, many people consider disposable after one or two uses. With ear plugs for swimming made of putty, there is also a small possibility that putty pieces could be left behind after the swimming caps are removed from the ears. 
   
There is another type of a size for all ear plugs that seems to solve the problem of hygiene; Silicon cone-shaped lids. They are not only cheap but reusable and washable as well. The nature of accordion swimming caps allows for a better fit of regular swimming cap. They block both noise and water and are easily removable. The biggest problem is that they are unattractive, visibly protruding ears, and tend to lose suction and fall easily. 

Best for Your Child

Conclusion? Opinions vary widely as to recommendations on the use and type of ear plugs for swimming. Check with your child's pediatrician or hearing professional to see what they have to say to help you make the best decision for your child and keep your ears as healthy as possible throughout the summer.