Plug In Before You Jump In: Ear Protection in the Water

by Bridget Dobyan, HIA Executive Director

April 23, 2025

Spring is here and summer isn’t far behind. With the weather warming and sun shining, thoughts turn to dips in the pool, surf in the ocean, and puttering around the lake. As a kid prone to ear infections, I was not allowed into the water without my trusty ear plugs. The kid version of me didn’t necessarily appreciate the delay that molding wax earplugs to fit my ears created before each swim session, but it was a crucial step to avoiding the otherwise inevitable discomfort of an infection later on.

After losing approximately 500 wax earplugs throughout my childhood, my ENT suggested custom earplugs that would fit more snugly and comfortably. When whipping around the lake on a tube behind the speedboat, I’d use the extra protection of a softband over the custom earplugs. Helpful but not foolproof, my entire family would eventually end up circling in the boat keeping a keen eye out for a blue and orange swirled custom earplug floating in the water (in hindsight, blue might not have been the best color option). Otherwise, while engaging in water activities that didn’t defy the laws of physics that tubing did, those earplugs stayed put without additional anchoring.

While my ears required protection due to underlying conditions, earplugs when swimming are a helpful tool for anyone in preventing water in the ear, which can lead to uncomfortable conditions like “swimmer’s ear”. There are options for pretty much every need and activity, from drugstores to your hearing professional’s office. Read on to learn more about these helpful implements.

• Wax silicone earplugs: Available at your local drugstores and online, wax silicone earplugs come out of the package as round plugs. To use, simply shape and flatten over the opening of the ear. These plugs are generally not appropriate for in-canal use, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using.

• Pre-formed earplugs: These earplugs are ready to go, right out of the package, with no molding necessary. They’re manufactured in the general shape of the ear but are not custom, so may not provide a fitted solution for every person as ear and ear canal size varies from person to person. However, there are a lot of different types and sizes available both online and in person. While I waited for my custom earplugs to be made, I was provided a set of preformed earplugs that added a slightly better fit than the moldable versions.

• Custom earplugs: Available through different channels, I went to my ENT doctor for custom earplugs. A simple process, my audiologist took an impression of my ear (an odd feeling but not painful or uncomfortable) to create the custom mold. I was able to personalize the color palette, going with a vibrant swirl of orange and blue (pictured above) – always fun to add a little pizzaz to the otherwise mundane! These earplugs fit like a glove and have provided consistent, comfortable protection for years.

These options may not be appropriate for every person and there are different recommendations depending on the type of water activity, such as diving. To learn more about the best option for you, reach out to a licensed hearing professional who can provide specific guidance.

Keep yourself comfortable year-round, and not just in the water. Earplugs can help with noise protection, focus, and even sleep. If you have questions about keeping your ears in tip top shape to enjoy all the fun of the summer season, be sure to reach out to your local licensed hearing professional.