Water in ears while swimming

dkennedy

Hi Team, my wife has a problem with getting water in her ears when she is swimming, she has tried ear plugs under her cap but still has issues. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what ways that it can be resolved so she can swim for longer periods of time. Thanks for any suggestions that you might have!! Dave K.

Joe Matchette

David - what kind of ear plugs is she using?

I had that problem and fixed it with wax earplugs. I have tried generic CVS/Wlagreen's pharmacy brand as well as the Macks Wax brand (http://www.amazon.com/Macks-Pillow-Silicone-Earplugs-Value/dp/B000067NMJ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1360279232&sr=8-5&keywords=mack's+wax).

Don't go generic. They suck.

kevinzielke

I had the same thing happen when I first started swimming. I tried everything. Earplugs (generic and wax), candling, drops, etc. Finally, after going for a swim one evening, it was so bad I went to urgent care. They irrigated my ears and I haven't had a problem in the almost two years since. Embarrassed that the doctor might think my issue was due to lack of hygiene, I protested "but I clean my ears every day!" She explained that the way I had been doing it was actually packing it in rather than getting it out. So, if it were me, I'd START by having the ears irrigated and, if that doesn't work, look into some type of prophylactic device like plugs.

Steve West

I hate water in my ears and cant swim without plugs. I use Mack's from Walgreens. They work great. Been using them for over 4 years.

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/mack's-ear-seals-dual-purpose-earplugs/ID=prod1707479-product

Jennifer Eckert

When I was in Masters Swim, the coach told me to use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and alcohol. Make the mixture and put in a little bottle and then put some drops in your ears while showering, massage it and then let it drain out. It restores the ph balance to your ears. I also use the wax plugs and they work great.

helen.king@invis.co.uk

Perfecting old lady head above the water breaststroke? :-)

I have permanent holes in my ear drums so I’m pretty careful about not getting water in my ears. The wax earplugs tend to fall out of my ears so I use Zoggs Adult Aqua Plugz. Maru do something similar but they don’t work quite as well for me. I find the Speedo biofuse plugs (similar to the Mack’s plugs Steve posted) really uncomfortable.

I used to swim with an ear band, something like this: http://www.swimstop.co.uk/ear_band-it.html but I’m not sure it made that much difference.

rkling

@ David:

What's the exact problem? Does she get vertigo or nauseated when the water hits her ears? Or is it more of the sensation of not being able to get rid of the water after she has finished swimming?

If it's the first problem, then ear plugs, such as some of the ones suggested may be the only choice. If it's the second problem, then what Jennifer suggested works well. The white vinegar acts as a mild topical antibiotic and the rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol helps the moisture evaporate. I always put a few drops of alcohol in each ear after I swim, and this clears the water out well.

dkennedy

Thanks everyone!! I will share all of your thoughts with her. She was a flight attendant and because of the constant changes in altitude, she hurt one of her ear drums and has pain when diving or swimming under water.

@ Helen, she would love to do the breast stroke the whole time. Lol I'll tell her about the Zoggs.
We will try the Mack's wax plugs first, and see if those work.

@ Jennifer and Richard, I'll even try the vinegar & alcohol. Thanks!!

Cheers!!

Darren Freeman

Yes, try the 50/50 mix of vinegar & alcohol.  I've used it when scuba diving to kill all the little critters in the ocean that decided to try and make my ears their home.  Works great when used right after being in the water and helps dry our your ears as well.