Earplugs for Swimming Buyers Guide

Earplugs for swimming seem like a simple choice, just go to the market and buy just any. But it’s not like that!

They come with an assortment of benefits that could help you maintain good health, especially for your ears. However, that health factor is precisely the reason you should put some considerations before you buy just any pair of earplugs.

Sure, you can get any color you like, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Are you looking for the best earplugs for swimming? Then it's about time to get high value for money. If you don't know about different factors to consider, this guide will help you out.

With countless manufacturers, you need earplugs that fit your activity and purpose. Here you will find all the essential information. Furthermore, some tips and common questions will help you make a better decision, so let's have a look:

Factors to consider when buying earplugs for swimming

Choosing earplugs for swimming is much different than sleeping. First of all, the sound reduction shouldn't be there. Sleeping is a stable activity, you don't need tight-fitting, but fitting becomes paramount for earplugs. You will be under constant pressure and movement. Wind resistance, water pressure resistance, and other factors would determine its efficiency.

Therefore, the number of factors, even when considering earplugs explicitly for swimming, would vary significantly. In this guide, we elaborate on almost every essential element. Some of these aspects correlate with each other or sound similar, but they are very different and have another function. With that in mind, here's everything you need to consider:

Quality of the plugs

The first thing that you should note as you check for earplugs is the quality of the plugs. It will determine their usability, longevity, and value for money. There is a wide range of quality. You can buy cheaper choices and not worry about it or get more expensive plugs from brands. The brands should charge you for quality and not for being a big brand. Remember that.

You can check for the aspects as you example the earplugs:

Material

Primarily, you will find silicone and foam as the most common material. Some manufacturers provide custom or more exclusive materials at extra charge. If you want something better, you can opt for that. Foams are less flexible and almost feel like a sponge. However, they are lightweight and don't feel like you're wearing anything in your ears. Most of the foam earplugs for swimming are one-time use, as you can't clean them efficiently. If you want the cheapest options, they might be best.

The second best option is silicone. It is soft, more flexible, and would snuggling fit you. However, it is a little denser, and if you choose more bulky earplugs, it will feel slightly heavy. They are more prone to pressure but provide much better fitting. Most of the silicone ones are easier to clean and maintain. However, it could depend on the quality. Many silicone earplugs for swimming come with two or more pairs.

Reusable or disposal

The next quality to check for is reusability. If the earplugs are disposable, you should certainly use them and dispose of them. However, some have a timeframe to use before you dispose of them, like a week or a couple of days. Alternatively, reusable earplugs would be more cost-effective and last you for a long time, as long as you don't use them.

Some manufacturers would provide you disposable silicone earplugs and claim that they are reusable because they will work for a couple of days. Make sure that you don't fall for it. It should adequately say 'washable' with it if these are reusable.

Washability

As mentioned, foam is more challenging to wash, but some premium-quality foam earplugs are comfortable to dip and clean. Alternatively, most of the silicone earplugs are washable as long as you use the right agent. You can use warm water with soap for most of the cleaning. Some more durable earplugs could allow you to use more potent cleaning agents or proper sanitization. Those can last for days to come.

Having washable ear plugs is not enough. Checking for the proper method to wash them is equally pivotal to ensure that you got the right choice that is a high value for money. Some washable earplugs can only withstand water, while others can withstand alcohol or anti-bacterial cleaning without damaging the material.

The thing is, you can't just wash any earplugs like that. You might not notice, but mixing different materials gets chemical reactions that could be bad for your health, even allergic. Thus, you should always use the method to wash that is provided in the manual.

Allergy consideration

Of course, the earplugs should be hypoallergenic to eliminate any allergic reason. This could increase the cost slightly, but it also assures you of the quality of earplugs. Any reusable or washable earplug will most-likely have hypoallergenic consideration.

Correlatively, you can check the material and coating. Some earplugs come with a powdery layer. Make sure that you're not allergic to anything the earplugs have.

Anti-microbial

It's not unheard of for equipment like earplugs, nose clips, and swimming caps to have antimicrobial capabilities. These prevent any mold or bacterial buildup. Thus, you can be more assured of their reusability. These qualities reinforce their life and reduce the requirement for wash and maintenance of the pair. Antimicrobial is not a complete solution, though. For proper health and hygiene, you still have to wash your plugs.

However, some disposable earplugs come with anti-microbial properties to last a couple of uses before you need to dispose of them.

Comfort factor

The next consideration is the line should be the comfort factor. If the earplugs ache or slip frequently, you won't have much comfort. Itchiness or too tight-fitting wouldn't be optimal either. The comfort factor, apart from the material, depends on the following attributes that you would have to consider:

Size

We all have different sizes of ears. It might come as a surprise, but even our earholes vary in size. Either way, depending on the design, you have to choose the right size. The right size won't feel too tight or too loose. You can move your head around rapidly or even dip your head in the bucket of water to see whether they come off. They shouldn't even flinch if you want the right size.

The size of your earplugs will directly impact the fitting, which matters to prevent water. Remember, most of the ear plugs come in men's size. Child or women's size may vary, so keep that in mind.

Fitting

That's right! The fitting of your earplugs for swimming will determine the potential danger against the water. If you have loose-fitting, the entire earplug might come off. As a result? The water will enter. Anything distorting or slightly disturbing in the fitting could lead to water droplets' leakage in your ear.

You need to look for a snug, tight, and packed fitting. There shouldn't be any entryway for water, nor should casual jerks and force of the water be able to remove the earplugs. That's the perfect fitting, which would be valuable if you don't want to lose your earplugs frequently.

Softness

While you're considering fitting and size, don't forget the softness of the material. It should have a delicate appearance to fit your ears nicely and shouldn't feel like they are burdening you. If you have rigid earplugs, they can cause your ears to ache or become uncomfortable over time. Rigid earplugs are also known for reducing noise, which isn't an excellent quality to look for in earplugs for swimming.

That's right! Earplugs for swimming are different from earplugs for sleeping in this regard.

Design

Finally, the last factor for comfort would be the design. Now, there are cone designs that would shove better inside the ears and fit. This is the general design you will find in earplugs for swimming that are disposable. Silicone is thicker in design and tends to have a snug fit. The real choice would be between the conventional shoving design and a custom design.

Many performance-oriented swimming ear plugs come with extra support and a rigid structure. They can offer up to seven-point layers, and that would stick around the ear better. As a result, you will have a more holistic approach to protection.

Furthermore, the structure makes it easier for the earplugs to withstand a sudden splash of water, the force of waves, and much more. The added stability and grasp of earplugs reassure you. As you won't lose them quickly, you can focus on swimming.

Protection

The primary objective of earplugs is to protect your ears. You can look at many aspects, like material, size, fitting, but that's not what matters. Protection directly correlates to performance, as well. Therefore, here's everything you might have to check out:

Number of seals

Seals are the layer that looks like flaps and gets stuck in your ear. A cone-type earplug can have anywhere between one to three. Some even have up to five seals. The objective of the seals is to ensure they don't allow the water to leak. The more seals, the better protection you will have. However, three seals are enough for typical use, while some come with up to seven seal points.

The location of the seal and their size also vary. As the plug goes inside, the size of seals should decrease, just like the conical design. If you're unsure about their size, they should fit perfectly and snug. Once again, you can try a test to dip your head in a bucket of water to see if air or moisture passes through the seals.

Extra point coverage

As mentioned above, there are earplugs with as many as seven sealing points. The extra point coverage earplugs are mostly available in custom or performance-oriented earplugs. These are something that will hold onto your ear conveniently and make it so that it won't budge. Furthermore, the opening will be tightly packed and even reinforced. Some earplugs come with a coverage point that works better with a swimming cap. So you might want to consider the exact purpose and the amount of 'activity' you will have in the water.

Noise reduction

You might think that noise reduction is good, but it's ultimately the opposite when you're swimming. Your senses are already damped underwater. You can't risk having more reduced noise. In fact, underwater or while swimming, it's pivotal to have a proper hearing. The softness of your earphones and material will determine noise reduction. Try to aim for those that offer a minimum reduction or dampening.

The motion of water shouldn't make it difficult for you to hear anything, either.

Value for money

In this segment, we cover some valuable features that will provide value for money. If you consider these aspects, you will most likely find something worth your investment. These are still optional features and characteristics, but many manufacturers offer them under the budget you might consider. Here's everything you might want to consider:

Number of pairs

If it is a disposable pair, there should be more than three or six pairs optimally. Several pairs of disposable earplugs for swimming can last for as long as multiple weeks. Alternatively, if you can get more pairs for washable and reusable earplugs, that would further enhance the cost-efficiency. Always consider the number of pairs you get and if you are getting value for money.

Divide the money according to the number of pairs. Are the earplugs worth the investment? If the answer is yes, go ahead and buy them. If not, then look for other options.

Portability

Of course, earplugs are mostly portable and lightweight. However, it also comes down to any storage requirement. Some come with mini boxes and even a pouch for you to carry your earplugs. If you choose premium or high-end earplugs, they should come with a storage box to conveniently carry your earplugs.

This little addition would prevent you from putting earplugs just anywhere. Thus, you will have an easier time finding them and using them.

Buoyancy

Whether you choose the right fitting or not, buoyancy ability could be valuable, especially in a swimming pool. It will enable the earplugs to float up and to the surface if you lose them from the ear. As a result, you can almost always find them conveniently if they go loose.

Alternatively, buoyancy sometimes pushes the earplugs better in your ears, so that's a plus. Don't get too high buoyancy, or they might come off as you are underwater.

Corded feature

Many swimmers prefer a corded build, which prevents you from losing the pair. Even if one earplug comes off, you can trace the cord to find it and wear it again. However, the corded feature is a matter of personal preference. Some people don't like it as the cable might get pulled by the force of the water. Some cords are too loose and what not. So it comes down to whether you have a good or compelling choice available or not.

Premium features

When you consider these aspects, you have to eliminate any consideration for cost as you buy them. It is most likely to provide value for money. However, these are not indispensable features, but something you can consider on the go or as 'added' benefits. Here's a list of features to consider if you buy premium-level earplugs.

Anti-UV

If your earplugs are artificial material, you might want to consider anti-UV property. Most of the water activities happen during the daytime. Sunlight can take a toll on the integrity of the material. However, this only matters if you have long-lasting and premium-grade choices. It doesn't matter for disposable or low-end earplugs for swimming.

Better waterproofing

Water protection and seal will protect your ear, but what is protecting the earplug from the corrosion and tolls of water? Waterproofing can provide proper protection against mold and mildew, loss of pigmentation for color, and other similar aspects. Some materials become too loose as you use them for a more extended period in water. Consider that when you buy earplugs.

Anti-elements

Anti-microbial will always be a highly viable quality to look for. If you're not sure, then anti-corrosion against water's high ph, calcium, and other content would work great. Anti-agents could enable the earplugs to withstand the toll of chlorine in water or other harsh chemicals. The water for swimming is usually chemically treated. These are good options to look for.

FAQs: Best Earplugs For Swimming

Q: What are the benefits of earplugs?

A: Earplugs prevent the entry of water into your ear. Direct access to water can be harmful to the ear and other internal organs. You may develop infections, primarily if the quality of water is not maintained. Furthermore, it can damage your eardrums, even move to the other parts of the body like the head and nose, which would make it highly uncomfortable for you.

You can eliminate all of these problems by getting earplugs for your ears. Earplugs aren't just great for swimming, but any water activity. So, you can use it for anything related to the water.

Q: Why should you use earplugs for swimming?

A: Apart from water protection, earplugs can help you focus better. It will prevent any abrupt entry of water. You will have a more clear hearing because the water won't move around your ears. Thus, you will be able to focus better as you swim. Almost every competitive swimmer uses some form of earplugs. Additionally, if you choose comfortable earplugs, you can use them for days, weeks, or even years to come.

Q: What other accessories to consider with earplugs for swimming?

A: Proper water protection is paramount. Many swimmers prefer to use swim caps that prevent the hair from getting in their way. A nose clip is also a valuable addition that would prevent water from entering through your nose. Goggles have also become an indispensable requirement to have visionary clarity as you swim across the pool. A collection of these gears prevent you from getting any sensory problem due to water or any other microorganism in the water that could enter through these openings. Thus, you maintain optimum health and performance.

Q: How long do the earplugs for swimming last?

A: It depends on the quality and material of your earplugs. Some can last for years to come until you use them. However, most earphones will start to wear out or lose color pigmentation after four or five uses. Most would hold for a week before losing material integrity or grasp. If they are not reusable, you might want to discard them after a single-use. Thus, you have to consider the right budget-friendly options for earplugs.

Q: When should you put earplugs on?

A: The best time to put earplugs on is before you get your ears wet. Earplugs on the dry ears will offer better protection. If you use it after getting your ears wet, it might slip off and not provide adequate protection. More importantly, the water stuck inside or around the plug might enter your ear and still hurt you. Therefore, as you are preparing for swimming or any other water activity, make sure to wear the earplugs.

Q: How to choose earplugs to work with the swimming cap?

A: Most of the swimming caps will grasp your head tightly as they comprise an elastic material. Therefore, it will cause discomfort if your earplugs hang out too much. It will consistently push the plugs in your ears. You need earplugs that will work in sync with your cap. It shouldn't feel tight or uncomfortable to move your head around. You should feel snug and tightly packed, not awkward like someone is trying to suffocate you.

Conclusion

Now you can buy the best earplugs for swimming wherever you go. Don't forget to consider your budget and the value for money. That's what matters the most. Soft yet steady fitting and qualitative material would be a great choice. Remember, earplugs for swimming not only protect you against water but any creature or microorganism that might be breeding in the water. It's vital to maintain optimum health, and choosing the right earplugs can bear several positive results.