Water trapped in the ear is usually harmless and clears on its own, but repeated soaking can lead to swimmer’s ear, a painful infection of the ear canal. To protect your ears when swimming, dry them gently afterwards, never poke cotton buds inside, and use well-fitted swim plugs if you swim often or are prone to ear trouble.
Summer means more time in the pool, the sea, and the lido, which is wonderful for everything except, sometimes, your ears. Learning how to protect your ears when swimming helps you enjoy the water without the blocked feeling, the muffled hearing, or the nagging earache that can follow. In this guide we explain what happens when water gets trapped, why swimmer’s ear develops, who needs to take extra care, and how the right custom ear protection keeps water where it belongs.
What happens when water gets trapped in your ear
A little water in the ear canal after a swim is normal and usually drains away by itself within a few minutes. You might feel a fullness, a tickle, or slightly muffled hearing until it does. The trouble starts when water lingers, particularly if your ear canal is narrow, or there is wax for the water to sit behind. A warm, damp ear canal is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, and that is where problems begin.
Swimmer’s ear and why it happens
Swimmer’s ear is the common name for otitis externa, an infection or inflammation of the skin lining the ear canal. It often follows repeated exposure to water, which washes away the ear’s natural protective wax and softens the skin, letting bacteria take hold. Symptoms include itching, pain that worsens when you tug your earlobe, discharge, and muffled hearing.
The NHS notes that otitis externa is often linked to getting water in the ear, and that scratching or poking inside the ear makes it more likely. Most cases clear up with treatment, but recurring infections are a sign that your ears need a little extra protection in the water.
Who should take extra care
Some people are more prone to water-related ear trouble than others. Regular swimmers and surfers, children, and anyone who tends to build up ear wax should be especially careful, as should those who have had ear infections before or have a perforated eardrum or grommets. If you have had ear surgery, ask your clinician before swimming.
Hearing aid users need a quick word of caution too. Standard hearing aids are not waterproof, so always remove them before swimming and store them somewhere dry. If they do get splashed, dry them gently and never use a hairdryer or radiator on them.
How to protect your ears in the water
After swimming, tilt your head to each side and gently dry the outer ear with a soft towel. You can let gravity do most of the work. The single most important rule is to keep cotton buds out of your ears completely, as they push wax deeper and scratch the delicate canal skin, which is exactly how infections start. If your ears feel persistently blocked, that is a job for a professional, not a cotton bud.
If you swim regularly or are prone to infections, swim plugs are well worth it. There are a few options, and they are not all equal:
| Swim plug type | Fit and seal | Reusable | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mouldable putty plugs | Sits over the canal opening; seal varies | A few uses | Occasional pool swims |
| Off-the-shelf silicone plugs | Generic shape, can loosen | Yes | Casual swimmers |
| Custom swim moulds | Made to your ear for a reliable, comfortable seal | Yes, long lasting | Regular swimmers, children, infection-prone ears |
When to see a professional
See someone if you have ear pain, discharge, or hearing that stays muffled for more than a day or two after swimming, or if you get ear infections again and again. Persistent blockage may simply be trapped wax, which is easily and safely cleared with microsuction, a gentle water-free method. A quick hearing check in Leicester can rule out anything that needs attention and get you comfortable again.
Custom swim plugs are fitted from a quick, painless impression of your ear. If you would like a pair before the holidays, get in touch and we will sort it out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get water out of my ear safely?
Tilt your head to the affected side, gently pull the earlobe, and let gravity drain it. Dry the outer ear with a soft towel. Avoid poking anything into the canal. If it has not cleared in a day or two, see a professional.
Should I use cotton buds to dry my ears?
No. Cotton buds push wax deeper, scratch the canal, and increase the risk of infection. Dry only the outer ear with a towel and leave the canal alone.
Do I really need ear plugs for swimming?
Not everyone does. But if you swim often, get recurrent ear infections, or have had ear surgery, well-fitted swim plugs make a real difference. Custom moulds give the most reliable seal.
Can swimming cause ear infections?
Yes. Repeated water exposure can wash away protective wax and let bacteria grow, leading to swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). Drying your ears and using plugs reduces the risk.
Can I swim with my hearing aids in?
No. Standard hearing aids are not waterproof. Remove them before swimming, keep them dry, and never dry them with direct heat if they get splashed.
Are custom swim plugs better than the ones from the chemist?
They tend to be. Custom moulds are made to the shape of your ear, so they seal reliably and stay comfortable, where generic plugs can loosen or let water past.
My child keeps getting ear infections after swimming. What can we do?
Custom swim plugs and careful drying after every swim help a lot. If infections keep returning, have their ears checked so any underlying issue, such as trapped wax, can be sorted.
Heading for the pool or the coast this summer? We fit comfortable custom swim plugs and offer gentle, water-free ear wax removal and hearing checks in Leicester. Book an appointment and protect your ears before you dive in.
