Wearing ear plugs for swimming is a straightforward but effective habit that can have a positive impact on our general health, including the health of our ears. From swimming laps in the pool to surfing left-handers, submerging your ears is a given with most water activities. While the arrival of summer means even more splash-happy fun, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of overexposing your ears to H2O.
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Ear plugs for Swimming
Want to keep your ears dry and protected this summer? Visit our online store to browse our range of Australia’s best swimming earplugs.
Swimmer’s Ear
One of the most common side effects of overexposure to water is the swimmer’s ear. The infection targets the outer ear canal and occurs when water creates a moist environment that supports bacterial growth.
While mild cases of swimmer’s ear can cause muffled hearing and tickling sensations, serious infection can lead to intense itching, severe pain, swelling of the lymph node, and deep-tissue infection. The risk of developing a swimmer’s ear is heightened in hot and humid climates, like Australia, with moisture in the air preventing the ears from drying out naturally.
Thrills & Spills
For water sports enthusiasts, the danger of rupturing an eardrum is genuine. From bailing on a five-foot wave to flying off a sea biscuit, hitting the water at high speed can cause serious damage to the eardrum. Ruptured eardrums can cause infections in the middle ear and lead to more serious complications, including damage to the brain or nerves.
Exposure to the elements
Exostosis externa, also known as surfer’s ear, is a condition that’s all too common among water sports lovers. To combat the surfer’s ear, the body produces bone in the ear canal to protect itself against the wind, water, and cold temperatures that surfers, sailors, jet skiers, and other extreme water sports buffs expose themselves to. This can cause wax, water, and other material to become trapped in the ear, causing pain and possible infection.
When it comes to protecting your ears from conditions like a swimmer’s ear and exostosis externa, prevention is the best method. With so many fantastic products available, there’s no reason why your summer should be plagued with ear discomfort.
Here are some of the best products for protecting your ears:
Alpine SwimSafe Earplugs
Alpine SwimSafe Earplugs have a clever design that prevents water from entering the ear canal without muffling ambient sounds. This makes them an ideal choice for scenarios where communication is key. Think surfing with friends, attending swim squad training, or racing yachts.
Alpine Surfsafe Earplugs for Surfers
Engineered with water sports enthusiasts in mind, Alpine Surf safe Earplugs for Surfers use soft and flexible AlpineThermoShape™ material to ensure a perfect fit. These Alpine earplugs offer robust protection against surfer’s ear, as well as general damage from water and wind.
Alpine Pluggies Earplugs for Kids
Children often experience earache and ear infections. Developed by hearing specialists, Pluggies Kids earplugs prevent water from getting into the ears during swimming, showering, water sports, and bathing. Alpine Pluggies Kids Earplugs are designed for children between three and twelve years old.
Mack’s Ear Seals Earplugs
Mack’s Ear Seals Earplugs are simple yet effective, designed to seal out both water and noise. The plugs boast a noise reduction rating of 27dB, one of the highest on the commercial market.
Macks Wax Away Earwax Removal Drops
Forgot to wear your earplugs? Get rid of excess water with Mack’s Dry-n-Clear Ear Drying Aid. The unique formula actively dries out H2O and relieves discomfort caused by water-clogged ears. Use after swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and other general water activities.
Mack’s Ear Band for Swimming
Ramp up your protection with Mack’s Ear Band for Swimming. This premium-quality neoprene band keeps your earplugs in place and prevents water from entering the canal. The adjustable velcro band promises a secure fit for children and adults.
Mack’s Soft Silicone Waterproof Ear Plugs
Constructed with a soft and flexible silicone putty, Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Waterproof Ear Plugs fit like a glove. They mold to your ears’ contours to create a watertight seal that protects against the swimmer’s ear and other water-related infections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prioritizing ear protection is a simple but crucial step toward ensuring that we can continue to enjoy the benefits of swimming while protecting our priceless sense of hearing, whether you’re a professional swimmer or just like to take the odd dip.
