Still waters, pools or swimming ponds are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Earplugs for swimming help to effectively protect our ears from infection.
How to protect your health:
Ear protection for swimming prevents bacteria and water from entering the sensitive ear canal and is an essential swimming accessory if you swim regularly.
How to recognize good quality:
BeyondSurfing has spent over 25 hours researching for you and presents the top 7 swimming earplugs. You can also find out which features you should look out for when buying in the buying guide. Bad buys are a thing of the past!
Content
In a hurry? Our favorite earplugs:
- Recommended by doctors
- Two for the price of one
- Also suitable for surfing
- Incl. transparent protective box
Swimming earplugs Checklist
- Models: Lamellar earplugs work with a vacuum and are particularly tight. Malleable earplugs run the risk of getting stuck or breaking off.
- Color: Striking colors are easier to find underwater.
- Transport: A transport box is a must for reusable earplugs.
Also interesting: The most popular diving lamps 2024.
These are the top earplugs in 2024
Best earplugs for swimming according to doctors’ recommendations
1. Macks’s Aqua Block
Advantages
- Recommended by doctors
- Incl. transparent protective box
- Also suitable for surfing
- Two for the price of one
- Purple or transparent
Disadvantages
- One size fits all
- Transparent version difficult to recognize in water
Summary
These earplugs from Mack’s come in a set of two pairs and a carrying case. The customer can choose between a transparent and a purple version.
The material is made of particularly soft “Super Seal” silicone. It is lamellar and creates a slight vacuum in the ear. As a result, it sucks itself into ear canals of different sizes and offers secure protection when swimming.
The model is recommended by doctors worldwide due to its excellent experience and quality. The hold is so stable that it can also be used for demanding sports such as surfing.
Conclusion
Hearing protection is suitable for everyone aged 7 and over. The earplugs are ideal for everything from simple protection in the shower to demanding swimming and water sports.
Sensitive people do not always like the vacuum that the lamellar earplugs create. They prefer to use moldable earplugs.
Product details
Size: One size, 5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm | Material: Silicone | Weight: 9 g
Customer ratings
The product fits very comfortably and lasts for years. The colored version is easy to find in the water. Even small ear canals are no problem. They adapt perfectly. They are not lost while surfing. The supplied box is robust and practical. The material is very soft. The price-performance ratio is very good.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 12% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers did not want the earplugs to stay in their ears. The model caused one customer to feel pressure. The transparent version cannot be found in the water if lost.
FAQ
Best earplugs made from medical material
2. sanohra earplugs
Advantages
- Special sizes for children and adults
- Suitable after ear surgery
- Medical material
- Incl. Transport box
Disadvantages
- Only one color available
Summary
The Sanohra earplugs are green and blue and available in two different sizes. They are suitable for children and adults. The set includes a transparent protective cover.
The material is medical plastic in the form of lamellae. These form a slight vacuum and anchor themselves in the ear canal. They can be worn for several hours without any problems.
Thanks to its good adaptability, the set is also suitable for wakeboarding, surfing or snorkeling. They are also suitable as reliable protection in the shower for children who have to undergo tympanic surgery, for example.
Conclusion
The different sizes ensure that all age groups are covered. This makes the earplugs a very good model for the whole family.
Customers who have had difficulties with the vacuum of lamellar earplugs in the past prefer to use a different product.
Product details
Size: 2 different | Material: Medical plastic | Weight: N/A
Customer ratings
Small children can insert the earplugs without any problems. They do not get lost and are firmly attached. The transport box is practical and protects the product reliably. The earplugs have enabled many children to shower and swim after ear surgery. They do not interfere with diving either.
Around 19% are neutral about the product, while 17% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The earplugs may fall out of the ear canal. They cannot withstand intensive use and are difficult to use. One customer has lost them completely.
FAQ
Best customizable earplugs
3. putty buddies floating earplugs
Advantages
- Extremely adaptable
- Many different colors
- Three pairs for the price of one
- Invented by an ENT doctor
- Swimming on the surface
Disadvantages
- Can disintegrate into individual parts
- Not suitable for warm climates
- Difficult for children to put on themselves
Summary
This earplug package from Putty Buddies comes with 3 pairs in one set, all in different colors. The customer can choose from different combinations. A transparent transport box is included free of charge.
The hearing protection is made of soft silicone, similar to plasticine. It is simply rolled between the fingers until it is so soft that it deforms. It can then be pressed to the beginning of the ear canal and into the outer ear.
The adjustable shape means the set can be used by children and adults. It reliably withstands swimming, showering or snorkeling.
Conclusion
A set that can be adapted to all ear shapes. This makes it suitable for the whole family.
If you practice water sports such as surfing, it is better to choose a set with a slatted shape. The vacuum formed can withstand heavy loads.
Product details
Size: One size 14 x 3.2 x 9.3 cm | Material: Moldable silicone | Weight: 22.7 g
Customer ratings
The children really like the bright colors. Even wild romps or jumps are no problem. The ears are sealed tightly and reliably. The intense colors prevent them from getting lost in the tank. The set reliably protects against the “Swimmer Ear” and does not fall out. If they do fall out, they float on the surface.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
They are not suitable for very warm climates. The material can melt at high temperatures and then get stuck in the ear or migrate too deep inside. Be careful when removing!
FAQ
Further highlights
4. earplugs Silicon Aqua
Advantages
- 6 pieces in a set
- Incl. Transport cover
- Skin-friendly silicone
- Adaptable
Disadvantages
- Greatly attenuate hearing
- One size fits all
- Only one color available
Summary
The earplugs from Ohropax are blue and come in an adjustable one size fits all for adults. A transparent transport box is included. The set contains 3 pairs.
The material is moldable silicone. It can be compressed and then slowly spreads out again. As a result, it gently seals the ear canal after insertion.
The set is ideal for recreational swimmers and for water protection when showering or bathing. The seat is always tight and comfortable. Even older children can use the earplugs without any problems.
Conclusion
The Ohropax set offers particularly good value for money. Customers who are looking for several pairs at a reasonable price choose this article.
Professional swimmers prefer to use a set with slat technology. It offers stronger support.
Product details
Size: One size | Material: Silicone | Weight: 18.1 g
Customer ratings
The ear protection works well when snorkeling. Insertion is problem-free. The earplugs are more hygienic than similar models made of wax. They hold tight reliably and can be adjusted very well. They are ideal for sleeping and keep out noise. They are also suitable for protection after ear surgery.
Around 18% are neutral about the product, while 13% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
This set is not suitable for competitive swimmers or water sports. The hold is not firm enough. In the long term, dirt accumulates in the silicone. The material feels uncomfortable. The color is difficult to see underwater.
FAQ
5. speedo hearing protection
Advantages
- Incl. Transport box
- Particularly robust material
- Cannot slip into the ear
- Practical handle
Disadvantages
- Only one color available
- One size fits all
Summary
The ergonomic earplugs from Speedo come in a black and blue design. They are suitable for adults with small to medium-sized ears. A transport box is supplied.
The material is polypropylene and thermoplastic rubber. This makes this set particularly robust and durable. The lamellar shape creates a gentle vacuum and reliably seals the ear canal.
Handles are attached to the ends to facilitate removal. They also prevent the earplugs from penetrating too deeply. With the right fit, the set is also suitable for professional sports.
Conclusion
Professional athletes like to use this set. If you are looking for a particularly durable product, you will be very satisfied with the Speedo ear protection.
The one-size-fits-most fits smaller ear canals. Customers with large ears reach for a different product.
Product details
Size: One size, 18 x 12 x 5 cm | Material: Polypropylene | Weight: 4.5 g
Customer ratings
The handle is practical and offers additional safety. The earplugs cannot penetrate too deeply and are easy to remove. They are extremely leak-proof and can be worn for hours. You can hear the coach’s announcements and warning calls without restriction. The product is also suitable for professional swimmers. The price-performance ratio is super. The set is well suited for smaller ear canals.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 30% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
A blow to the ear should be avoided at all costs. The handle is made of hard plastic and can cause pain if pressure is applied. This set does not fit larger ears well. The material stings.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular swimming earplugs
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy swimming earplugs:
How to make the right decision
The demand for earplugs has risen sharply. One reason for this is the increasing health awareness of Germans. Manufacturers are responding with more and more products.
How to find the right ear protection for swimming:
BeyondSurfing presents the most important criteria for good earplugs in its buying guide. This enables you to make an informed purchase decision.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of special swimming earplugs?
- Protect your health
- Have a long shelf life and are washable
- Well-fitting earplugs are not noticeable
- Earplugs can be made to measure
- More expensive than normal earplugs against noise
- Children can’t always put them on themselves
- Sometimes difficult to find in the water
What you need to consider when buying earplugs
When looking for the best earplugs, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Material
- Fit
- Noise protection
- Reusability
- Durability
Pro tip: A transportation box should always be included with reusable earplugs.
Material of swimming earplugs
There are different types of earplugs. Each material has different properties that influence the use of the earplugs.
Moldable silicone
Earplugs made of moldable silicone are available from pharmacies, for example. They are inexpensive and fit every ear. Insertion is simple.
The disadvantages are the difficulty of cleaning and the small risk of parts remaining in the ear.
Dimensionally stable rubber and silicone
Such earplugs are inexpensive, washable and offer no risk of individual parts remaining in the ear. They are often lamellar and get stuck in the ear. This gives them a particularly firm hold.
One disadvantage is the often conspicuous tip that sticks out. They are also not adjustable.
Fit of swimming earplugs
The fit of the earplugs must be ideal. Why? Otherwise the earplugs simply fall out when swimming or cause pain.
Stable earplugs are usually available in several sizes. A well-fitting pair is barely noticeable and has a firm hold with every movement.
With moldable silicone or rubber earplugs, the fit can be individually adjusted. Once you have understood the technique, they fit perfectly.
You can find tips on how to insert earplugs correctly here:
For professional swimmers or regular hobby swimmers, a custom-made product can be worthwhile. But that requires a visit to the store. You can find more information on customized hearing protection for swimming here, for example.
Noise protection of the earplugs
Although noise protection is a desired effect of earplugs in other situations, it should be avoided when swimming.
Pay attention to the reviews on Amazon. These often give an indication of the hearing impairment caused by the product. There are also special models with sound wave technology. These keep out water but not sound.
Reusability of earplugs
Disposable products are always hygienic and do not need to be cleaned: However, it creates unnecessary waste and is usually only available in one size.
Reusable earplugs are washable and often come with a free protective cover to keep them dry and clean. You also save money in the long run.
Durability of earplugs
A simple rule of thumb applies here: the easier the surface is to clean, the longer you will enjoy your earplugs. A rough or sticky surface attracts bacteria in the long term and gives them space to spread.
Caution: Moldable earplugs are particularly susceptible to dirt deposits.
Why use swimming earplugs?
If water gets trapped in the ear, it can cause infections or disrupt the balance system. Still water (the opposite of a river or sea) makes it easy for bacteria to spread.
This means:
Earplugs protect your health and make swimming more comfortable. But the earplugs can also help with various water sports such as surfing and prevent high-pressure water from entering the ear when falling.
The following video shows how water gets into the ear and which movements are particularly susceptible:
Dr. Wendt ★★★★★
(ENT doctor in an interview with ARD)
There are no specific manufacturers that specialize in swimming earplugs. However, Ohropax is generally known and popular in Germany for products that protect hearing. Major swimming brands, such as Speedo, also often have earplugs in their range.
Important: Avoid cheap products from Asia. Different safety regulations apply there, which often do not meet German standards.
Earplug tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Almost all models scored “good” in the Consumer Reports earplug test. There were no serious or questionable defects in almost 20 different materials and construction methods.
Nevertheless, caution is advised: In its earplug test, Öko Test found two products that contained questionable ingredients. The two manufacturers are “Suki International” and “3M”. You should therefore avoid such specimens.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
Why use swimming earplugs?
Which earplugs are suitable for swimming?
Where can I buy swimming earplugs?
Is it dangerous to wear earplugs when swimming?
What should you look out for in swimming earplugs?
Are there other ways to avoid swimmer’s ears?
Conclusion: The most popular earplugs reviewed
Well-fitting earplugs are barely noticeable and protect your ears and sense of balance. Bacteria in water are invisible and once they have accumulated in the ear canal they can quickly lead to infections.
No more swimmer’s ear and ear canal infections:
With BeyondSurfing’s buying guide you are guaranteed to find the right earplugs to keep you healthy. There is the right model for every ear shape.
Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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