Choosing the Right Earplugs to Prevent Swimmers Ears
When it comes to choosing the right earplug that will prevent swimmers ears is not easy because it all depends on the user’s preferences. One earplug might be the right choice for one swimmer but a totally different from the other.
There are so many earplugs available in the market that one can choose from and the task might be a nightmare. This can only be avoided by knowing what to look for not only at the right price but also functional enough.
Here are some of the tips that will help you when choosing the right swimming earplugs that will prevent swimmers ears.
1. Consultation with a professional doctor
One of the best and healthy ways to get a earplug is by consulting with your audiologist. Having said that, you will also realize that there are some advantages and disadvantages of consulting with your doctor. I went along for a consultation after I decided to get and earplug for one ear while I am using my metal detector to find gold at the weekend.
Advantage
- These earphones are more often the right fit for your ear
- They are also made from top quality materials
- The earplugs are not only washable but also reusable
- Doctors will give you a diagnosis that will be right to your ears need
Disadvantages
- Chances of losing swimming earplugs are very high considering their high cost
- Replacing them might be a problem
- When wearing the earplug in the ears one might need an adult’s assistance
These earplugs are made from clear hard plastic and are very expensive to acquire this is because they are customized to fit your ear.
My son recently had one prepared for them only to lose them in the shower wafter I replaced the RV shower head for a more powerful one and because they are clear, it was a nightmare for us to look for them in the water. I had to assist him in putting them on the two times that he used them.
That is why I strongly recommend that when choosing the right earplug for the years, it is advisable to consider the age and how much you want to spend because there is guaranteed that you will have to buy them do often which might be overwhelming when you go for the expensive earplugs.
2. Silicone Earplugs (Putty Type)
They are the preferred earplugs for the kids and are easily available in most stores and pharmacies across the country. One of the outstanding features of these earplugs is how they look like a colored ball of putty.
Advantages of using these earplugs
- They are one of the cheapest versions available in the market
- They come in one size that fits all the children and no need to worry about customizing them
- Despite the fact that they are cheap, they are also very easy to locate them when they fall in the water because of the color.
- The kids do not need adult assistance when they put them on
Disadvantages of using them
- They are not washable and kids like playing with them because of the color and their looks, like dough or putty. Meaning that they are not hygienic and can be used more than one time.
- There is a scenario where all the putty does not come out of the ear once they are removed.
3. Conical Earplugs
Just like their names suggest, their earplugs are made out of silicone or rubber and are available in the stores quite easily. It is one of the earplugs that are very hard to describe their appearance because at any time they are similar to a pop out turkey timer. One thing that should be clear is that the part that is cone shaped is what goes in the ear.
Advantages
- Conical earplugs are easily available and cheap
- They can be used over and over and are washable.
- It has an accordion feature that makes them fit the ear regardless of the size
- Another function of this earplug is that it can be used to block the noise
- Wearing and removing them is not rocket science
Disadvantages
- It is the easily noticeable earplug because of how it looks in the ears
- They are not so reliable because at some point it loses suction and fall in the water
4. Ear Bands
This is one of the other options that I came across when doing this article and I really have no expertise in the same. They are similar to Little Grommets Ear Band and cover the ear tightly keeping the earplugs of the child tightly fit.
5. Divers Earplugs
Barotrauma is quite common with most of the scuba divers and that is why it is very crucial to get an ear plug that will not only keep the water out but also one that equalizes the pressure, they are known as vented earplugs.
There is a debate on the use of earplugs with some doctors linking them to ruptured eardrums at some point. That is why is advisable for any diver to consult with their doctors before going for the vented earplugs.
There are not so many vented earplugs in the market with the right information on how they function and their specification making the whole subject very hard to talk about.
What to stay away from
The main reason as to why one will want to use the earplugs is keeping the noise and water away and this should not be mistaken with preventing the swimmers’ ears.
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