Are Ear Plugs Necessary for Swimming?

Protecting Your Ears from Water, Infections & That Dreaded Clogged Feeling

Picture this: you are gliding through the water, peaceful and free…
Until - glug glug glug - your ear feels like it swallowed a fish.

Whether you’re a pro swimmer, poolside sun-soaker, or just a splash-loving kid, chances are you’ve asked:

Do I really need ear plugs for swimming?

The answer?

Not always. But in many cases - yes, absolutely.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• When swimming ear plugs are essential
  

• What happens when water gets in your ears
  

• Who needs ear protection the most
  

• The best types of swim-safe plugs
  

• And why NG 1.0 waterproof earplugs might be your new BFF poolside
  
  

Related: Ultimate Guide to Earplugs | Are Ear Plugs Safe?

Why Do People Wear Ear Plugs While Swimming?

Let’s start with the obvious:

Your ears aren’t designed to be water-tight. The outer ear can handle moisture, but when water enters the ear canal and lingers, you’re setting the stage for:

• Swimmer’s ear (outer ear infection)
  

• Earaches
  

• Temporary hearing loss
  

• Balance issues
  

• Tinnitus triggers
  

• Irritation around ear tubes or surgical areas
  
  

Wearing swim ear plugs helps:

• Block water from entering the ear canal
  

• Prevent infections and discomfort
  

• Support post-surgery healing
  

• Reduce pressure discomfort during diving
  
  

Who Needs Ear Plugs for Swimming?

Not everyone must wear ear plugs, but certain people really should.

1. People with Ear Tubes

Ear tubes are inserted to help fluid drain from the middle ear. But if water gets in?

• It can bypass the eardrum
  

• Lead to serious infections
  

• Delay healing
  
  

Doctors almost always recommend waterproof ear protection if you have tubes.

2. People Prone to Swimmer’s Ear

If you’ve had even one outer ear infection, you know the drill:

• Pain
  

• Pressure
  

• Pus (ugh)
  

• No water activities for a while
  
  

Plugs like NG 1.0 can prevent water from getting in and stop the cycle before it starts.

3. Kids Who Splash, Dive, and Don’t Stay Still

Children have narrower, more sensitive ear canals, and tend to:

• Submerge suddenly
  

• Lie on their side with ears underwater
  

• Ignore the signs of early infection
  
  

Pair child-friendly waterproof plugs with supervision for splash-proof protection.

Related: Are Ear Plugs Safe for Kids?

4. Frequent Swimmers & Divers

The more you swim, the higher your exposure risk to:

• Pool chemicals
  

• Bacteria in open water
  

• Pressure shifts
  
  

If you’re training or diving regularly, plugs can help reduce barotrauma and irritation.

When You Might Not Need Them

• You’re just wading or floating without submerging your head
  

• You have zero history of ear infections, tubes, or hearing sensitivity
  

• You’re in clean water for a short time
  

• You don’t mind the occasional waterlogged ear sensation
  
  

But even then why not prevent the problem instead of treating it later?

What Happens If You Don’t Wear Ear Plugs?

Let’s say you swim without plugs. Worst-case scenarios include:

Even mild discomfort like water sloshing in your ears or clogged hearing can throw off your balance and ruin your poolside zen.

What Type of Ear Plugs Are Best for Swimming?

Not all plugs are created equal especially when water’s involved.

Why NG 1.0 Are a Game-Changer for Swimmers

Unlike traditional foam plugs (that get soggy and ineffective), NG 1.0 are:

• IP68 waterproof
  

• Reusable (eco-friendly and wallet-friendly)
  

• Ultra-soft and sweatproof comfy even for long pool sessions
  

• Ergonomic and pressure-free
  

• Designed to stay in place, even with head movement or side-sleeping
  
  

Whether you're diving into laps, lounging in a hot tub, or showering in a questionable hostel bathroom NG 1.0 helps keep the bad stuff out without feeling like you’re plugging a cork in your skull.

Special Note: Swimming Ear Plugs for Kids

Kids love water. Their ears don’t.

Choose:

• Brightly colored silicone plugs (easy to spot)
  

• Moldable options for comfort
  

• Optional ear bands for extra hold
  
  

See: Are Ear Plugs Safe for Kids?

And avoid adult-size plugs they won’t fit correctly and may cause damage.

Tips for Using Swim Ear Plugs Correctly

• Dry ears before inserting (wet skin = poor seal)
  

• Don’t jam plugs too deep
  

• Check for a snug seal gently press on outer ear
  

• Clean or replace regularly (especially after swimming in lakes or oceans)
  
  

More tips in: How to Use Ear Plugs + How to Clean Ear Plugs

Final Verdict: Are Ear Plugs Necessary for Swimming?

Bottom Line: Swim Happy. Hear Healthy.

You don’t need a medical degree to know: water + ears = potential problems.

But the solution is beautifully simple:

• Plug in
  

• Dive in
  

• Block out bacteria, barotrauma, and bad vibes
  
  

Try Our  NG 1.0 Waterproof Ear Plugs made for swimmers, sleepers, and sound-seekers alike.
Reusable, comfortable, and stylish enough to make your beach bag jealous.

Because ears deserve a little peace and quiet even underwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How do I choose the right size of swimming ear plugs for a snug fit?

Pick plugs that match your ear canal size - small, medium, or large - so they seal without pressure. Moldable silicone types are one-size-fits-most because they shape to your ear, while pre-molded flanged plugs often come in sizes you can try before buying.

2) Can swimming ear plugs be used in hot tubs or saunas without damage?

Yes, most high-quality silicone or thermoplastic plugs can handle hot-tub temperatures. Just rinse and dry them after use, since heat and chlorine can shorten their lifespan if not cleaned.

3) How often should I replace reusable swimming ear plugs for hygiene and safety?

Replace them every 3–6 months with regular use, or sooner if they lose shape, feel stiff, or show discoloration. Frequent exposure to pool chemicals or salt water can wear them out faster.

4) What’s the best way to store ear plugs to keep them clean between swims?

Rinse in fresh water, dry thoroughly and store in a ventilated case or mesh pouch. Avoid sealed damp containers, which encourage mold or bacteria growth.

5) Can I combine a swimming cap with ear plugs for extra protection?

Absolutely. Wearing both adds a second barrier against water entry and helps keep plugs in place during vigorous laps or dives.

6) Are there hypoallergenic ear plug materials for sensitive skin?

Yes. Medical-grade silicone and soft thermoplastic elastomers are hypoallergenic and ideal for people with latex or chemical sensitivities.

7) Do swimming ear plugs affect equalizing pressure while diving?

Surface-level swimming is fine, but deep diving requires caution. A tight seal can prevent natural pressure equalization and risk barotrauma, so divers should use specialized vented plugs or equalize carefully.

8) What’s the difference between custom-molded and over-the-counter swim plugs?

Custom plugs are made from an ear impression, giving a perfect fit, better comfort, and superior water blocking ideal for frequent swimmers. Over-the-counter plugs are cheaper and convenient but may not seal as precisely.

9) Can swimming ear plugs be safely shared if cleaned, or should they remain personal?

They should remain personal. Even with disinfecting, microscopic moisture can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of ear infections.

10) Are there ear plug options that reduce noise while still keeping water out (for pool competitions)?

Yes. Some dual-purpose silicone plugs combine a water-tight seal with moderate noise reduction, letting swimmers cut ambient sound without total isolation handy for noisy competition pools.

Related Content to Dive Into:

•  Which Ear Plugs Are the Best?

•  Are Ear Plugs Reusable?

•  How Do Ear Plugs Work?

•  Are Ear Plugs Safe?