Why Earplugs Deserve a Spot in Every Wild Swimmer’s Kit Bag
Ask most wild swimmers what’s in their kit bag and you’ll hear the usual suspects: wetsuit, tow float, neoprene gloves, perhaps a water thermometer. Earplugs, though? They’re often an afterthought — tucked in at the last minute or forgotten altogether. But if you’re regularly dipping in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or coastal waters across the UK, a decent pair of swimming earplugs could make a genuine difference to your health and comfort in the water.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about choosing earplugs for open-water swimming, the specific risks wild swimmers face that pool swimmers don’t, and how ear protection fits into a broader approach to staying safe in natural water environments.
The Unique Challenges of Open-Water Swimming for Your Ears
Swimming in a heated, chemically treated pool is a very different proposition to plunging into a Scottish loch or a chalk stream in Hampshire. Natural water bodies present their own set of challenges, and your ears are more vulnerable than you might think.
Swimmer’s Ear and Cold Water
Otitis externa — commonly known as swimmer’s ear — is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by prolonged moisture. Cold UK waters can exacerbate this because the ear canal contracts in low temperatures, making it harder for water to drain naturally. Regular wild swimmers are particularly susceptible, especially those who get in the water multiple times a week throughout the year.
Surfer’s Ear
Less widely known but equally important is exostosis, or surfer’s ear — a condition where bony growths develop inside the ear canal in response to repeated exposure to cold water and wind. It’s not just surfers who suffer from it; open-water swimmers who regularly brave the elements are at risk too. Over time, these growths can narrow the ear canal, trapping water and increasing infection risk. In severe cases, surgery is the only solution. Good earplugs, worn consistently, can significantly reduce this risk.
What to Look for in Open-Water Swimming Earplugs
Not all earplugs are created equal, and the ones designed for pool swimming may not be ideal for open-water conditions. Here’s what to consider when choosing a pair:
- Fit and security: Open-water swimming involves more head movement, sighting, and occasionally rough conditions. Look for earplugs with a secure, snug fit that won’t dislodge mid-stroke.
- Material: Silicone earplugs are popular for their softness and mouldability. Custom-moulded options offer the best fit but come at a higher price point. Foam earplugs are inexpensive but can absorb water and are harder to keep clean.
- Vented vs. non-vented: Vented earplugs allow pressure equalisation, which can be more comfortable for some swimmers, while non-vented options provide a more complete seal against water ingress.
- Ease of removal: After a cold water swim, numb fingers are inevitable. Choose earplugs with a pull tab or easy-grip design so you’re not fumbling around on a windswept riverbank.
- Hygiene: Reusable earplugs need to be cleaned thoroughly after every swim. In natural water, bacteria and microorganisms can cling to kit, so a proper rinse with clean water followed by air drying is essential.
Ear Protection and Water Quality: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Here’s a thought worth sitting with: earplugs reduce the volume of water entering your ears, but they rarely create a completely watertight seal in dynamic open-water conditions. That means the quality of the water you’re swimming in still matters enormously for ear health.
Natural water bodies can carry a range of bacteria, including E. coli, enterococci, and in some cases Pseudomonas aeruginosa — a bacterium specifically linked to outer ear infections. If you’re swimming in water with elevated bacterial counts, even a small amount of ingress past an earplug can cause problems. This is why testing the water quality of your regular swim spot isn’t just good practice for gut health — it’s relevant to ear health too.
At Wild Swimming Tests, we provide easy-to-use water quality test kits that let you check your favourite swim location before you get in. Understanding what’s in the water empowers you to make informed decisions, whether that’s choosing a different spot, waiting for conditions to improve after heavy rainfall, or simply being extra vigilant with your ear protection.
Building Good Habits Around Ear Care
Alongside wearing appropriate earplugs, a few simple habits can help keep your ears healthy throughout a busy swimming season:
- Tilt your head to each side after swimming to encourage any trapped water to drain naturally.
- Dry your outer ear gently with a towel — never insert cotton buds, which can push debris deeper into the canal.
- If you notice persistent pain, itching, or discharge, see a GP promptly. Ear infections caught early are much easier to treat.
- Consider wearing a neoprene swimming hat or hood in colder months to reduce wind chill around the ears, complementing the protection your earplugs provide.
Looking After Yourself Out There
Wild swimming is one of the most joyful, invigorating things you can do — there’s nothing quite like sliding into a glassy lake at dawn or finding a hidden waterfall after a long walk. But staying safe and healthy in natural water requires a little more thought than heading to your local leisure centre.
Good earplugs are an affordable, effective addition to your safety toolkit. Pair them with knowledge about the water you’re swimming in, and you’re setting yourself up for a long, happy, and healthy wild swimming life.
Ready to take water quality seriously? Browse our range of water quality test kits at Wild Swimming Tests and find out exactly what’s lurking in your favourite swim spot before you take the plunge.
📷 Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash
