Earplugs for swimming: keeping water out
For most swimmers, water in the ears is just a nuisance. For people prone to ear infections, or who swim in cold water, keeping water out makes a real difference, helping prevent swimmer's ear and surfer's ear.
Why water causes problems.
Water that stays in the ear canal softens the skin and washes away the protective coating of wax. That makes it easier for bacteria and fungi to get in, which is why regular swimmers are more prone to outer ear infections, known as swimmer's ear.
Cold water brings a separate risk. Repeated exposure to cold water and wind can make the bone of the ear canal grow, slowly narrowing it. This is called surfer's ear, and it is common in surfers, open water and wild swimmers. A narrower canal traps water and wax more easily, leading to more infections.
If you keep getting ear infections after swimming, earplugs are one of the simplest fixes.
Ask your GP or ENT doctor before swimming, and about whether you need earplugs.
Types of swimming earplugs.
- Silicone putty: moulds over the entrance of the ear. Comfortable and effective, but single use and can be fiddly when wet.
- Pre-moulded silicone or flanged plugs: reusable, easy to put in and take out, and available in several sizes.
- Custom-moulded swim plugs: made from an impression of your ear for a precise seal. Often float, and last a long time.
- Swimming caps and headbands: help keep earplugs in place, and add a little warmth for cold water.
Swimming earplugs are designed to keep water out, not to block sound, so you can usually still hear instructions and people around you.
Caring for your ears after swimming.
- Tilt your head to let water drain, and gently dry the outer ear with the corner of a towel.
- A hairdryer on a cool setting, held at arm's length, can help dry the ear.
- Do not use cotton buds to dry the canal.
- Rinse and dry reusable earplugs, and store them in a case.
- If your ear becomes itchy, sore or discharging, stop swimming and see a pharmacist or GP.
Healthy ears for regular swimmers.
We can look for signs of a narrowed canal, irritation or wax that is trapping water.
Wax that swells when wet can trap water. Microsuction clears it without using water.
If swimming has left your hearing muffled, a full test shows whether anything has changed.
If we see signs of infection or narrowing, we explain what we found and write to your GP.
Frequently asked questions.
They can help a lot by keeping water out of the ear canal, especially for people who keep getting outer ear infections.
A gradual bony narrowing of the ear canal caused by repeated cold water and wind exposure. It traps water and wax and can lead to infections and hearing problems.
Many children and adults with grommets can swim, but ask your ENT doctor for advice on whether to use earplugs.
A plug of wax can swell when it gets wet and trap water behind it, leaving the ear feeling blocked. Microsuction removes wax without water.
Avoid swimming until an infection has cleared, and follow your pharmacist or GP's advice.
Blocked after swimming?
Ear examinations and microsuction earwax removal, in clinic or at home.
Swimmer's earEar infectionsEarwax build-upBlocked earsHearing protection guide
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.