Ear plugs are very common for swimmers of all ages. The main use is to prevent water from entering the ear canal that can lead to ear infections such as swimmer's ear. There are different types of ear plugs for swimmers. The most common types are pre-molded flanged silicone ear plugs or moldable silicone plugs that fit inside the outer ear canal. If the swimmer is also wearing a swim cap, the cap is placed over the ear not only to help keep the ear plug in place, but also to help prevent further water entry into the ear. Ear plugs commonly come with more than one pair for sanitary purposes and for the swimmer to have a "spare" in case of loss, misplacement or faulty manufacturing. They also come in a variety of colors, especially for children, since they have a higher risk of ear infections.
What to Look for
Purchase ear plugs that best fit your outer ear canal. Not all products fit the same since everyone has different sized ears. The moldable, silicone ear plugs are the most popular since you can choose the amount of silicone to create a water-tight seal in the outer ear canal. The pre-molded flanged silicone ear plug may make a tighter seal between the ear and the water, but some outside necessary nose may be blocked out. Swimmers can also have a mold of their ear taken by their doctor and to make personalized ear plugs for the proper fit. This option is a successful alternative, but can be expensive.
Common Pitfalls
As mentioned previously, some ear plugs create such a tight seal on the outer ear that they may camouflage necessary noise. This may prove detrimental especially if you are a competition swimmer. Practice both during training and in competition with the ear plugs to accommodate this potential shortcoming.
As with other equipment, ear plugs can get dirty, especially the moldable silicone. After use, keep them clean by using a tap water rinse and return the silicone plug back to the case that it came in immediately after use to protect them from the elements. On a regular basis, since the ear plug comes in contact with the ear canal, any type of ear plug should be rinsed with either rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to keep them sanitary and prevent the spread of infection.
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