Hearing & tinnitus
Swimmer's ear: how earplugs help prevent it
Ear pain that shows up a few days after swimming, sometimes with a blocked feeling or discharge: that's the classic picture of swimmer's ear (acute otitis externa). Water trapped in the ear canal softens the skin and encourages bacterial growth.
It's a very common seasonal problem, with a clear peak every summer, and particularly in children who spend long hours in the water.
Quick answer
Limiting standing water in the ear (earplugs or a swim cap while swimming, thorough drying afterward) is the most commonly recommended prevention measure, even though health authorities note there's still a lack of controlled trials directly comparing different prevention methods.
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Discover our earplugsWhat the science says
Piercefield E.W. et al., MMWR (CDC), 2011
CDC epidemiological surveillance report, US outpatient care visits, 2003-2007
In 2007, swimmer's ear accounted for about 2.4 million medical visits in the US (8.1 per 1,000 population), with a sharp summer peak (44% of cases between June and August) and a particularly high frequency among children aged 5-14.
Limitation: This is a healthcare-utilization surveillance report, not a trial testing earplug effectiveness for prevention — the CDC itself notes the lack of controlled trials on this specific point.
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Discover our earplugsPractical tips
Earplugs or a swim cap while swimming
Limiting how much water enters the ear canal is the simplest measure most often recommended by health professionals.
Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming
Tilt your head to each side, gently pull the earlobe to help drainage, then dry the outer ear with a towel — without inserting a cotton swab into the canal.
Silicone rather than foam for the pool
A foam earplug absorbs water; a moldable silicone earplug stays watertight and is easy to reuse after rinsing.
Why children are more exposed
A narrower ear canal and often longer swimming time explain the higher frequency observed among 5-14 year-olds in surveillance data.
Drying drops after the pool
Drops based on alcohol or diluted vinegar, available at pharmacies, can help dry the canal after repeated water exposure — ask your pharmacist for advice.
When to see a doctor
Pain that worsens, discharge, fever or swelling of the canal call for a prompt consultation rather than waiting it out.
Our earplugs
Our moldable silicone model is explicitly designed for pool use as well as sleep: unlike foam, it stays watertight and rinses easily between swims.
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Discover our earplugsFrequently asked questions
Is swimmer's ear contagious?+
No, it isn't an infection passed from person to person — it results from trapped moisture in the affected person's own ear canal, not from contact with someone else.
How long does swimmer's ear last?+
Treated correctly (usually with prescribed ear drops), it most often improves within a few days to a week. Left untreated, it can worsen and last longer.
Are foam earplugs suitable for the pool?+
They're less suited: foam absorbs water instead of repelling it. A moldable, watertight, reusable silicone earplug is generally preferable for swimming.
Should I see a doctor every time my ear hurts after the pool?+
A mild, brief discomfort doesn't necessarily call for an immediate consultation, but pain that worsens, discharge or fever should prompt a quick visit.
Also worth reading
Scientific sources
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