Whether you’re a hobbyist who swims for pleasure or a regular contestant in triathlons, wearing ear plugs is a must for a multitude of reasons. Children should be trained to always protect their ears, and adults should be sure to set a good example by wearing ear plugs for swimmers whenever they enter the water. Practicing proper ear care is essential for the prevention of a host of uncomfortable conditions caused by foreign object intrusion, infection, and blunt force trauma to the delicate inner workings of the ears. Noise and wind are other damaging factors that can be reduced or avoided through careful, correct use of plugs.
Surfer's Ear
Surfer’s Ear is a common malady suffered by those who are frequently exposed to wet, cold, windy climates. It’s scientific name is exostosis, and it causes excess bone growth in the ear canal. This narrowing of the ear canal can lead to chronic infections and diminished hearing, as well as necessitate costly surgery to correct. Ear plugs for swimmers, coupled with a swim cap pulled over the ears, can help keep the ear canal dry and warm. Surfers and swimmers who are frequently exposed to cold, windy conditions should use this method to keep their ears healthy. Those who use a wet-suit to withstand colder temperatures should purchase a matching hood to protect their ears. The most common symptoms of Surfer’s Ear is a ‘plugged’ feeling in the ear, chronic infections, and pain.
Swimmer's Ear (Outer Ear Infection)
Otitis externa, commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear, is an infection in the outer ear. It is usually caused by a bacteria such as staph or a fungus entering a tiny wound in the ear. Such wounds are caused by over-zealous cleaning or by scratching at the ear with fingers in an attempt to dislodge wax or water. Ear plugs for swimmers helps to reduce the risks by blocking the bacteria-laden water from making contact with the ear’s delicate skin. While a meticulously-maintained, private chlorine pool may not have much bacteria or fungus present, public pools, rivers, and lakes are far worse culprits. While a mild case of Swimmer’s Ear may heal on its own, other cases may require expensive antibiotics, steroids, or even surgical debridement in order to heal. Plugs can help avoid all of these unpleasant conditions.
Foreign Body Intrusion
When swimming in open water such as a lake, ocean, or river, everything from insect larvae to fecal matter may be present in the water. As the swimmer moves through the water, these foreign bodies can be pushed into the ear canal where they can cause horrible, painful infections. Ear plugs for swimmers can keep all of these pathogens away from the sensitive skin of the ear.
Blunt Force Trauma to Eardrums
The eardrums are located at the end of the ear canal and resemble the head of a drum. They are very delicate and can rupture, which is intensely painful and traumatic. Swimmers and surfers who dive or hit the water at high speeds can suffer a ruptured eardrum, as can an unlucky wader who takes a powerful wave to the head. While most ruptured eardrums can heal on their own, some do not. Those that do not close will require a surgery called a tympanoplasty to recreate a functional eardrum using the soft skin found behind the earlobe. Eardrums are best protected by using plugs to block water from rushing into the ear altogether.
Noise Damage
As most aging rock musicians know, being exposed to loud noise damages the fine hairs inside the ears and leads to hearing loss. Now, consider that water is very good at conducting noise. Every crashing wave, every thunderous clap of a diver hitting the water, and every squeal of an excited child carries underwater. Ear plugs for swimmers cut down on the amount of noise that enters the ear and protects the hairs from breakage. As a swimmer ages, the cumulative effect of plug protection will enable him or her to hear better well into their advanced years.
Wind Damage
Wind burn hurts bad enough when it happens to the thin skin of the face, let alone the delicate canals of the ears. Not only does wind burn hurt, it can open up small cracks in the skin which gives bacteria and fungus a pathway into the body. Finally, forceful wind can damage the eardrums much like noise or blunt force can, leading to hearing loss and additional pain. All of this can be avoided with a simple set of plugs.
Proper Ear Plug Usage
Now that it’s obvious that plugs protect swimmers, surfers, and waders from painful, costly, and damaging conditions and injries, what is the proper way to use ear plugs? This depends on the style of ear plugs being used and the specific activity.
Soft foam ear plugs for swimmers are a cost-effective and comfortable option. These type should be rolled into a small cylinder between the fingers and then inserted gently into the ear canal. Once they have expanded, they should never be pressed further into the ear as this will place more pressure against the ear drum. If the swimmer wants to settle the plugs farther into the ear, the plugs should be gently twisted out, rolled again, and reinserted. Never pull the plugs out quickly, as this can cause the eardrum trauma.
Silicon ear plugs are another popular option that covers more of the outer ear. Once again, they should be inserted and removed gently. Silicon ear plugs do not compress like foam plugs, so those who swim often may want to be fitted for a custom pair by their doctor.
All ear plugs should be handled with clean, dry hands and inserted when the plugs are dry. Do not be concerned if ear wax is removed by the plugs. Simply wash them off with a mild soap, rinse them, and allow them to air dry between uses.
Using ear plugs is an essential part to protecting your health while swimming, surfing, or wading. Knowing the signs of ear conditions and avoiding them with proper ear plug usage can save thousands in medical bills and can save the swimmer from hearing loss, too. The proper use and care of ear plugs will help extend their life and increase their efficacy.
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