Swimming is an excellent choice of sport for those who want to stay fit while looking for a way to beat the scorching summers. Whether you are a professional swimmer or a novice, you might have experienced water entering your ears when you take a dip. This can hinder your time in the pool as it is plain annoying but may lead to more severe problems such as ear infections in the long run. To ensure that you have a comfortable time swimming, you need a pair of earplugs to prevent water from entering your ears. If you’re wondering how to pick the best earplugs for swimming, we’ve curated a list of the 11 best earplugs for swimming to help you pick the perfect pair.
Benefits Of Using Earplugs For Swimming
Swimmer’s ear
When ears are exposed to water for a long time, it can lead to otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. Repeated exposure to water can increase the chances of the ears being prone to inflammation, and its symptoms include irritation in the ears, itching, scaling, secretions, and pain. Earplugs prevent the entry of water into your ears, thus reducing the chances of a swimmer’s ear.
Water-borne diseases
Apart from swimmer’s ears, there are high chances of the water containing bacteria and fungus that can be detrimental to your health through diseases like typhoid and cholera. So, to prevent fungi/bacteria from entering your ears and for a safe swim, you will need earplugs.
Noise cancellation
Some earplugs also help to eliminate a lot of background noise that can be detrimental to your hearing levels. Earplugs can block high-frequency and low-frequency noises and are suitable in places like loud work environments or concerts.
Types Of Earplugs
Foam
Earplugs made up of foam help a lot in noise cancellation. They resemble a tightly compressed cylinder that expands and fits the ear when inserted. Whether it is low-frequency or high-frequency noise, this type of earplugs helps block both, thanks to the noise reduction rating of 33 units, making them suitable for concerts or loud work environments.
Silicone
This type of earplugs are made using silicone and have 3 or 4 flanges that look like a dome or a cone. They help the earplugs stay intact when inserted into the ears and can act as a watertight seal, making them suitable for water sports like swimming, water aerobics, and water polo. To use them, lift your ears outwards, insert the earplugs into them, release your ears, and you are good to go!
Custom-made
Sometimes, one size might not fit all. You might not feel comfortable with silicone or foam earplugs because the shape of your ear canal might be different. What if you can use a pair of earplugs that are customized to suit your ears? Custom-made earplugs are manufactured by taking the impression of the ears by an audiologist to fit your ears perfectly. Based on the activity, like swimming or working in noisy environments, the effectiveness of such earplugs vary. Regardless of your needs and wants, they’ve got you covered!
11 Best Earplugs For Swimming
1. Best Reusable:Anbow Silicone Ear Plugs
If you need reusable earplugs made of high-quality silicone, this pair’s for you. The FDA-approved earplugs are ergonomically designed using ultra-soft materials and fit into your ears comfortably, ensuring you have a hassle-free swim. Are you worried that you might lose them? Don’t worry! This set of earplugs comes with three pairs, along with a plastic storage box for seamless portability and storage. To use these earplugs, spin and insert them into your ears, and you are good to go! Pros
BPA-free Washable Noise reduction rating of 32dB Comes with a waterproof travel pouch Hypoallergenic Eco-friendly
Cons
Might be a bit uncomfortable for those with small ears Design may not be sleep-friendly
2. Best Lightweight:Speedo Ergo Ear Plugs
Speedo takes pride in being one of the leading brands for manufacturing swimming gear, so you’re assured of their high-quality earplugs too. Are you looking for earplugs that can easily be inserted and removed from the ears? Well, your search ends here! These earplugs provide watertight comfort and hassle-free usage. They are also soft and made of high-quality TPR that is PVC-free to prevent leaks, making it a good option for those who want to take a dip in the water. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review. Pros
Watertight fitting Comes with a storage case Lightweight design Easy to use Can be used while shampooing
Cons
Package may not have instructions May be slightly large for small ears
3. Best Washable:Mack’s AquaBlock Earplugs
The official earplugs of the USA swimming team, this set of earplugs from Mack’s is highly recommended by doctors for preventing ear infections. Made using high-quality silicone, the pair is suitable for all water activities, including aquatics events such as swimming or just for spending some time unwinding in the water. Its unique and flexible stem, triple flange design, and high sealing ability help in giving its users a firm fit. These earplugs are also washable, reusable, and come in a durable case. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product. Pros
Durable Easy to store and highly portable Suitable for baths and surfing Suitable for children and adults Latex-free
Cons
Some may find them a bit loose May have a tendency to slip deeper into the ear
4. Best Comfortable:WaterDam Swimming Earplugs
Usually, earplugs are manufactured by sticking to a standard size but these super-soft silicone earplugs by WaterDam have been customized for different age groups, ranging from toddlers to adults. It has a unique matte design with a compact seal and a stem that resembles a bullet to fit perfectly in your ears and not fall out easily, reducing the chances of distending or apex-angle pain. Pros
Auricle-shaped anti-slide design Available in four sizes Size guide available Easy to clean with alcohol or mild soap
Cons
Some may find it tedious to pull out Some may not find them comfortable
5. Best With Stylish Wings:Hearprotek Custom-Fit Swimmer Earplugs
If you’re planning to buy earplugs that enable you to hear while wearing them, these are for you. When it comes to upgrading your swimming gear, these waterproof earplugs from Hearprotek are worth considering. Their three stylish wings offer a custom fit and keep the plugs in place. The waterproof mesh and the acoustic core ensure sound entry but effectively keep water away. Available in four pieces per set with storage cases and three colors of green, blue, and orange, this versatile pair of earplugs is ideal for swimming and other sports such as kayaking. Pros
Easy-to-spot colors for easy recovery if lost Stay in place Easy to insert and remove Offer a secure fit Comfortable
Cons
May not fit small children Some may not find them watertight enough
6. Best With Storage Case:Oken Swimming Earplugs
Many swimmers complain about not hearing any external sounds while wearing earplugs. To address this issue, this set of earplugs from Oken is designed such that sound can enter your ears while wearing them. Made using high-quality silicone that fits like a glove, it comes in 15 pieces per set and is available in three different sizes — small, medium, and large. Its vibrant green color gives it a stylish look, and it also comes with a 12-month warranty and a storage case. Pros
Easy to use Fit well under a swim cap No-hurt design Stay in place for long Available in three sizes Custom-built frame
Cons
May seem flimsy to some
7. Best Colorful:MichPong Swimming Earplugs
This set of six pairs of colorful earplugs from MichPong comes with six nose clips and a plastic storage box. They lie flat in the outer ear, making them comfortable and apt for water sports such as swimming, water skiing, and surfing. These earplugs flaunt a great shape and offer flexibility as they are made using high-quality, smooth, and flexible gel with silicone. To wear the earplugs, pinch the end of each earplug, pull the ear outwards, and insert it smoothly into the ear canal such that the earplug presses itself against your pinna. Pros
Lightweight BPA-free Labeled L and R for easy identification Ergonomic design
Cons
May be slightly large for some May not be suitable for children
8. Best Glow-In-Dark:Softvox Adult Swimming Earplugs
Here’s a set of earplugs that is so comfortable that you’ll even forget you are wearing it. The set includes 11 super-soft silicone earplugs with a waterproof mesh to prevent water from entering your ears. The wings and anti-slide feature ensure that the earplugs stay in place when inserted. The set comes with a durable case with a carabiner that keeps your earplugs safe and clean. Pros
Durable Soft on the ears Don’t cancel sound Easily noticeable if lost Comes in three wing sizes for a custom fit
Cons
Some may not find it easy to insert May not fit small children
9. Best Flexible:AiBast Swimming Earplugs
The AiBast swimming earplugs stand apart from standard earplugs due to their waterproof mesh, which prevents water from entering your ears while enabling hearing, and the superconducting sound hole, which transmits sound. Once inserted, they fit by lying flat on the outer ear and ensure you stay comfortable. These earplugs come in four pairs and are packaged in transparent carry boxes. Pros
Set assortment suitable for families Marked with ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ indicators Lightweight Washable Ergonomic design
Cons
Some may not find them secure enough No size options
10. Best Recyclable:Alpine Hearing Protection SwimSafe Earplugs
When you plan on buying any accessories for swimming, you must consider factors such as safety, warranty, and international accreditation. These earplugs from Alpine are made of the patented Alpine ThermoShape following US and EU regulations, ensuring that you can hear even after wearing them. Apart from reducing the chances of infections, such as swimmer’s ear, these earplugs are an apt choice for swimmers with perforated eardrums or otitis. They are made using minimal plastic and are recyclable and reusable. Pros
Hypoallergenic Sustainable Doesn’t block sound Easy to clean Silicone-free Minibox for carrying them around
Cons
Easy to lose Some may find them hard to remove
11. Best With Waterproof Mesh:Hearprotek Custom-Fit Swimming Earplugs
This set of earplugs offers an air-tight seal to prevent water penetration. It has a waterproof mesh that lets you hear external sounds while wearing it and protects you from swimmer’s ear by snuggling in and resting comfortably. The earplugs are washable and reusable–simply rinse the earplugs in clean and warm water, and they are ready to be used again. Each pair also has its case so that you can keep it safe and clean. Pros
Available in two sizes Can cross-pair different sizes for custom fit Suitable for children and adults Ergonomically shaped Long-lasting
Cons
May not be anti-slip Some may not find them 100% seepage-proof
Since earplugs exist in different shapes and sizes, you might be confused about which one to buy and how to choose earplugs that will suit you. To help you with that, we have a buying guide that contains important points that you must remember while buying.
How To Choose The Right Earplugs For Swimming
Maintenance
Earplugs made from different materials have different maintenance requirements. Ones made from silicone can be cleaned using warm water and mild soap. Once you’re done, store them in a storage case after drying them, and failing to do so can lead to the accumulation of dirt on them. Reusable silicone earplugs are easy to maintain as they are washable, durable, and last longer despite multiple usages. So we recommend reusable earplugs, especially those that come with a storage case.
Age
Earplugs are broadly divided into kids and adult categories. However, many earplugs can be customized to suit different age groups, thanks to features like detachable wings. Adult earplugs are suitable for ages 15 and above, but if you are planning to buy earplugs for toddlers, you have to be very careful in choosing earplugs that are soft for them. Also, it would help if you constantly supervised your child as earplugs may contain small parts that toddlers tend to put into their mouths, leading to choking.
Design
Swimming earplugs can vary from a simple design with just cones and flanges to complex designs like the ones with detachable wings for preventing the earplugs from falling off when they’re inserted into your ears. If you want a simple set of earplugs, you might not be able to hear your surroundings when you wear them. If you want to go for a complex design, we recommend ones that enable hearing when inserted into the ears. But in the end, it all narrows down to your taste and preferences.
