Alvita Swimming Earplugs

The use of swimming earplugs in people with grommets is a topic where ENT specialist opinion has evolved over the years. Current evidence suggests that in many cases, water entering the ear through grommets does not cause significant problems for routine swimming in clean water. However, specialist guidance from your ENT surgeon should always be sought, as individual circumstances vary — some surgeons recommend earplugs for their grommet patients, particularly for swimming in potentially contaminated water such as rivers, lakes, or pools with high bacterial loads. Do not assume it is safe to use earplugs with grommets without specific advice from your ENT consultant.

A well-fitted swimming earplug will feel snug and comfortable at the entrance to the ear canal, and you will notice a significant reduction in sound — including a muffled quality to ambient noise. You can check the seal before entering the water by gently cupping your hand over the ear and pressing — a sensation of pressure or suction confirms a good seal. If the earplug feels loose or falls out easily, it is not providing an effective waterproof barrier and needs to be repositioned or replaced with a better-fitting option.

Silicone swimming earplugs should be replaced when they show signs of wear, cracking, loss of elasticity, or reduced ability to mould to the ear. For regular swimmers, this may be every few months. Even if the earplugs look undamaged, they should be replaced if they consistently fail to provide a watertight seal or if they have been used during an active ear infection episode. Good hygiene practices — rinsing after every use and storing dry — extend the effective life of the earplugs.

Yes, with appropriate supervision. Adult-sized swimming earplugs may not fit children's smaller ears effectively, so it is worth looking for earplugs marketed for children or paediatric ear sizes for better fit and seal. Young children should always have earplugs inserted and removed by an adult. If a child has a history of ear infections, grommets, or any ear condition, seek pharmacist or ENT advice before using any earplugs.

Yes, if properly fitted and used consistently. Otitis externa (swimmer's ear) is commonly caused by the warm, moist environment created when water becomes trapped in the ear canal after swimming, which encourages bacterial or fungal growth. By preventing water from entering the ear canal in the first place, well-fitted waterproof earplugs can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent swimmer's ear in susceptible individuals. However, earplugs are most effective as prevention — if you already have an active ear infection, do not insert earplugs and seek treatment from your pharmacist or GP first.