Expert guide on kids’ ear plugs for swimming

Getting water stuck in your ear is painful. Imagine what it’s like for a child. The thrill of jumping into a pool on a warm summer’s day is one of the highlights of the season for a child. It is pure bliss – until the child rises in pain, shaking their head to let the trapped water out of their ear.

Ear plugs are the ‘go-to’ solution for sensitive ears, for helping to prevent ear infections for children with ear tubes (grommets) and recurring ear problems. According to the NIDCD, “Anyone can get an ear infection, but children get them more often than adults. Five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. In fact, ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor.”

So, of the options available, which ear plugs are the best kids ear plugs for swimming? There are several different types of earplugs for swimming designed for varying uses. We will break down each type to help you determine which are the best child ear plugs for swimming.

What do kids’ ear plugs for swimming do?

Kids’ ear plugs for swimming BLOCK water from entering sensitive young ears during ANY water activity.* Not only do these ear plugs keep the ears dry, they also block potentially harmful bacteria from entering and becoming trapped in the ears.

*Keep in mind, kids’ shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes let bacteria and viruses find their way into the middle ear more easily. The tubes are also narrower, so more likely to get blocked.

Which kids should use ear plugs while swimming and when?

Water can easily get trapped in the ears, so ear plugs are generally recommended for:

• Kids with recent swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)
• Kids with recent middle ear infections (otitis media)
• Kids with ear tubes, which are tiny cylinders that have been placed in the eardrum to help with recurring middle ear infections
• Kids with a history of many ear infections.

For other kids, some doctors recommend regular use of swim ear plugs only when diving or swimming frequently in untreated water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Types of kids’ ear plugs for swimming

There are two kinds of swim ear plugs available: Custom swim ear plugs, and one size fits all ear plugs.

1. Custom swim ear plugs

If you choose custom-fit swim ear plugs, they will need to be ordered through a hearing care professional. The advantage of custom swim plugs is that they are high quality, comfortable and may last longer than the one size fits all plugs. A disadvantage to custom-fit swim ear plugs is that they are more expensive. Ear plugs are easily lost, and custom-fit ear plugs are more difficult and more expensive to replace than the one size fits all options.

2. One size fits all

Usually made of silicone or putty, they are easy to find and less expensive than custom swim ear plugs. That means when they are lost – which is a common occurrence with swim ear plugs – they are easier and less expensive to replace. They don’t require a custom fit and often come in bright colours, so they are easy to locate at the bottom of the pool or around the deck.

Note: Foam ear plugs are NOT designed for water use.

Discover the best child ear plugs for swimming

Our top recommendation for the best kids’ ear plugs for swimming is Putty Buddies. Created by an ear, nose, and throat physician, Putty Buddies’ U.S manufacturer has been dedicated to keeping water out of ears for 30+ years!

Putty Buddies are appealing to kids, coming in a range of bright colours. This also makes them easy to find in case they are dropped in the pool. Meanwhile, their fun cartoon mascot stands out on their carry case.

These earplugs also stand out because they are ultra-soft. They have a very tacky texture that helps them stay in place.They are reusable and last longer than most earplugs. As one size fits all, they are designed for children but can also be used by adults.

Children who need extra water protection can pair these with the Ear Band-It Swimming Headband.

Browse our range of Putty Buddies ear plugs online and purchase the best kids’ ear plugs for swimming today. As Australia’s leading Putty Buddies stockist, we also offer useful information such as how to use Putty Buddies correctly for the best water protection.