Need Ear Plug Recommendation for Swimming for 3 Yo

Updated on April 12, 2010
C.W. asks from Lutherville Timonium, MD
7 answers

My 3 yo had tubes in a few weeks ago and we have been struggling with ear plugs. The ones the doc sold me for $10 came out in 2 minutes. The other orange ones I could find lasted about 10 minutes. He takes lessons every week and with summer coming will be in the pool a lot. Can anyone tell me what kinds they used that stayed in the ear?

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Both my girls had tubes. The oldest still has hers in place, and is prone to ear infections if we don't use plugs even in the shower. I forget the name, but almost every pharmacy has them...they are a red putty like plug that are sized for adults. They break apart very easily and mold into the ear. We use 1/2 plug for each ear and re-use it a few times before throwing it away. Every once in awhile, one will fall out during the shower, but it is the exception, not the rule. Swim time is a little rougher play than shower and baths, so we use a head wrap http://www.leapsandbounds.com/catalog/product.jsp?product... . It is more for keeping the plugs in place than keeping the water out. Hope this helps.

S.

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C.J.

answers from Washington DC on

we used the ear band-it system with our very active swimmer through two sets of tubes. loved it. google it.

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L.N.

answers from New York on

i used the bright orange (or green ones, purchased at either target or cvs). you flatten them with your fingers then put it. they last as long as the child is in the water. the ones from the doctor were a waste of time and money. these bright ones work fine

K.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

when my son had tubes in his ears he used a bathing cap. that way i knew that his ears were staying dry. we found a bright blue one so it looked like a racing swimmers cap! and he son left it on too. so much easier than ear plugs.

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A.K.

answers from Norfolk on

Both of my kids have had multiple sets of tubes placed, and we have never used any type of ear plugs. They swim frequently and bathe daily, and it has never been an issue. I asked two ENTs whether it was necessary at the time of insertion, and was told by both that after the first few days that water getting in the ears is fine. We've never had any issues....hope that helps!

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K.P.

answers from Washington DC on

OUr ENT also said that chlorinated pool was okay without plugs, but a lake or river or ocean would need something. We got the custom made ones for about 50. They worked great. Even lost in the ocean when he was 8 and got kicked around by a wave . . .and they are bright colors and float, so we did find them.

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S.K.

answers from Washington DC on

When I had tubes in my ears when I was 4, we used Silly Putty every time I got a shampoo or went swimming and it worked really well. Of course that was almost 30 years ago so I don't know if that is still recommended but it worked for us. Good luck!

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