Best earplugs?

gutenberg

Hi all, just a quick query for those who wear earplugs while swimming. I recently had a swimmer's ear infection, and it was HORRIBLE, I have no desire to ever repeat the experience.

In fairness it's the first such infection I can remember, and I swim about 3 times a week typically, and don't usually wear earplugs (I do wear a silicone hat always). I want to try wearing earplugs while swimming, at least while the ear is still healing, and possibly thereafter. What kind do people use? I sometimes use those putty-like silicone ones for sleeping, are they any good for swimming? I hate the foam kind and try avoid them even for non-water activities. Or even just some cotton wool with Vaseline?

Just looking for suggestions on this, plus any other tips for avoiding ear problems while swimming

AndersLimpar

I use Macks - http://www.amazon.co.u...ords=macks+ear+plugs

I have a perforated ear drum so can't get any water in my ears and these keep out all water, every drop, when applied properly!!!. They last about 3 or 4 swims before they start to lose their adhesiveness. I only found them early this year so I hadnt dived into a pool in 40 years until this summer!!

You could probably get more than 3 or 4 swims out of them but I can't afford to get water in my ear so I change them after this just in case.

gutenberg

AndersLimpar wrote: »

I use Macks - http://www.amazon.co.u...ords=macks+ear+plugs

I have a perforated ear drum so can't get any water in my ears and these keep out all water, every drop, when applied properly!!!. They last about 3 or 4 swims before they start to lose their adhesiveness. I only found them early this year so I hadnt dived into a pool in 40 years until this summer!!

You could probably get more than 3 or 4 swims out of them but I can't afford to get water in my ear so I change them after this just in case.

I actually use the Mack's silicone ones for sleeping, good to know! When I use them to sleep, I generally break one plug in half, but I guess to make them fully waterproof I should use a full-sized one per ear...

mad m

One of the lads I swim with had same problem. He recently bought moulded ear plugs they made up for him, 30euro for the pair. He said they were great.Frank Cass and Sons (Sundrive / Kimmage). Cass hearing specialists.

gutenberg

Thanks all. I went swimming this morning and used the Mack's. They seemed fine - I thought I could feel water creeping in at one point, but when I took them out at the end of the session, my ear seemed dry. Maybe I'm just a bit paranoid after this infection!

I also saw a recommendation for Earol Swim spray, which is a tea tree & olive oil spray that coats the inside of the ear canal and repels water - all the reviews recommended it. When the ear is fully healed I might give it a go & see how it is.