Ear plugs for swimming?

[sarahkonamojo]

Congratulations on the milestones!
These are the best ear plugs: http://www.proplugs.com/
I spend a lot of time in the water. Mostly I am avoiding cold water from entering the ear. I get the kind with the hole for hearing, but you probably don't need that.
They come in sizes. You will need a fit kit first.
Good luck,
Sarah

[OakLeaf]

I prefer the silicone ones for swimming. The foam ones are much better for noise reduction (motorcycling, sleeping), but they will get waterlogged and still leave you susceptible to swimmer's ear. In fact, I've gotten "swimmer's ear" (otitis externa) from dry earplugs on the motorcycle more than once.

I mix my own solution of half apple cider vinegar and half 91% isopropyl alcohol in a dropper bottle. The alcohol dries the ear canals and the vinegar creates an acidic environment where yeasts and "bad" bugs won't grow well. Or instead of vinegar I'll mix a pinch of crystalline citric acid (I use that stuff for EVERYTHING) into 70% isopropyl alcohol.

[Ered_Lithui]

I use ones that remind me a bit of a plunger. Pretty much like this: http://www.brownells.com/1/1/38594-e...pak-e-a-r.html

In the States, they're about $2 at a pharmacy. I used to use silicone, but they required too much fiddling and wouldn't stay in reliably, plus mine tended to get gummed up with dirt.

[badger]

touch wood in the 10 years I've been swimming regularly I haven't had any ear problems.

Not sure if this works, but seems to for me is to pull the cap all the way down past the ears.

This isn't part of the topic, but I've been swimming with a nose plug for the past few years. It took a while to get used to it, but I am a MUCH better swimmer for it, as I can stay under longer. Good thing I can't see (nor do I care) what I look like!

[ClockworkOrange]

Once again, BIG thanks for all the suggestions.

I have never heard of isopropyl alcohol and must confess, it scares me a bit, putting something like that into my ear, so I have just ordered Mack's Dry-n-Clear, probably the same ingredient.

Never wear a hat, so that's out too.

So will check out all the different types in more detail, just personal preference I suppose.

Oivay..............is nothing easy.

[Becky]

I have never heard of isopropyl alcohol and must confess, it scares me a bit, putting something like that into my ear, so I have just ordered Mack's Dry-n-Clear, probably the same ingredient.

Sorry Clock...I don't know what isopropyl alcohol is called in your area...the chemist might be able to help. But yes, you're right, Mack's is just isopropyl alcohol (with some glycerin add for moisturizing).

I like Oak's idea with the vinegar and isopropyl alcohol. I'm going to try that.

[OakLeaf]

The things you learn on this forum ... I had no idea that you can't get plain ol' rubbing alcohol in the UK! It's ubiquitous in the USA.

According to Wikipedia, the equivalent skin preparation in the UK is called "surgical spirit," which is a mixture of methanol and ethanol. I wouldn't think it would dry as quickly as isopropanol, but I googled it with "swimmer's ear" and found plenty of references to using surgical spirit (with or without vinegar added) to dry ear canals.

I have just ordered Mack's Dry-n-Clear, probably the same ingredient.

Yep.