Ear plugs to help prevent swimmer's ear

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is inflammation or infection of the ear canal. Repeated moisture can soften the canal’s skin, while rubbing, scratching or inserting objects can damage its protective barrier. Ear plugs create a physical barrier, but water can still enter if the seal is poor or the plugs move during swimming. People with a history of ear-canal problems, eczema, ear tubes or a perforated eardrum may need personalised advice before using them.

Use clean, well-fitting swimming plugs made for water protection, and follow their fitting instructions. Do not force a plug into the canal or use another person’s plugs. Dry the outer ear gently after swimming; do not insert cotton buds, fingers or other objects to scrape out moisture. Avoid swimming until ear pain or discharge has been assessed. If water protection is needed after ear surgery or with a known eardrum problem, ask a clinician which option is suitable rather than relying on a generic plug.

Contact a clinician if earache, itching, tenderness when touching the outer ear, discharge, swelling or Hearing Loss develops after swimming. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fever with worsening symptoms, dizziness, facial weakness or swelling spreading around the ear. Do not use leftover ear drops unless a clinician has confirmed they are appropriate, because some drops are unsuitable when the eardrum is not intact. A GP Consultation can help identify the cause and guide treatment.

Ask which type of ear plug fits your ears, whether you should use them with a history of ear surgery or eczema, and how to recognise a problem early. If symptoms have already started, ask whether the eardrum can be examined and whether swimming or water exposure should pause until the ear has settled.