Swimming should leave you feeling refreshed, not nursing a sore, itchy ear for days! Many Melburnians who swim often, from lap regulars and lifeguards to keen surfers, struggle with ear problems that return again and again. A reliable, durable pair of swimming ear plugs can really help, and a proper fit matters more than most people expect. Taking an ear mould for ear plugs gives you a design shaped around your ear. That’s why custom ear plugs are worth a look.
Common ear problems for swimmers and surfers
Water and ears don’t really get along. Here are the issues that crop up most often:
- Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa): An inflammation of the outer ear canal. Trapped water creates a warm, damp space where bacteria or fungi thrive. Symptoms include itching, pain, a blocked feeling and sometimes muffled hearing.
- Surfer’s ear (exostosis): Small bony growths in the ear canal that develop after years of repeated cold water and wind exposure. A 1999 US study of surfers, published in a leading ear, nose and throat journal, found these growths in most of those surveyed, and the risk rose with years spent in the water. They can narrow the canal and trap water and wax, which makes infections more likely.
- Dizziness in cold water: Cold water entering the canal can upset the balance system for a moment. That’s unpleasant in the surf.
- Blocked ears and trapped water: This one’s a nuisance more than a danger, but it can lead to discomfort, muffled hearing, and infections.
Who needs ear protection in the water?
Plenty of people benefit from ear plugs! Including:
- Regular lap swimmers at pools like Richmond’s local centres
- Surfers and open-water swimmers along the Victorian coast
- Children who swim often, especially those prone to ear infections
- Anyone with a history of swimmer’s ear
- People with narrow ear canals or ear tubes (grommets)
That last group needs a quick word of caution. Anyone with a perforated eardrum or grommets should check with their GP or audiologist before swimming at all. Plugs help, but they’re no substitute for medical advice.
Universal plugs or tailored fit?
Chemist plugs are cheap and easy to find, so many people start there. Silicone putty and pre-shaped plugs suit some ears nicely. Others find they leak, loosen mid-lap or ache after 20 minutes. This pain is no surprise. Ear canals vary a lot in shape and size, and even one person’s left and right ears often differ. In fact, ears can be used for identification just like fingerprints!
A common mistake is pushing a plug in too deep, hoping for a better seal. That can pack wax and irritate the canal. Another is reusing worn-out plugs for months. Both defeat the purpose.
A tailored option avoids much of this. Audiologists start by taking an ear mould for ear plugs, which becomes the basis for a pair of custom plugs shaped to your anatomy.
Swimmers find ASC Custom and other top custom ear plugs more comfortable, especially for long sessions, and they tend to stay put during tumble turns. They cost more upfront, though, and a good fit still depends on an accurate impression.
Buy swimming ear plugs in Richmond that fit right
Healthy ears make for better swims. Whether someone paddles laps on a weekday morning or chases waves at the weekend, the right swimming ear plugs can cut down on irritation and trapped water. A well-taken ear mould for ear plugs is the foundation of a comfortable, secure fit. For frequent swimmers and surfers, custom ear plugs offer a practical way to protect their ears for years. Start with a chat to an audiologist in Richmond, and the next swim will feel a whole lot better.
