Why Earplugs Deserve a Place in Every Wild Swimmer’s Kit
Ask any seasoned wild swimmer what’s in their dry bag and you’ll likely hear a familiar list — wetsuit, tow float, neoprene gloves, perhaps a woolly hat for post-swim warmth. But one small piece of kit that often gets overlooked is a good pair of swimming earplugs. For open-water enthusiasts, they’re not just about comfort; they can genuinely protect your long-term health.
Whether you’re ducking under the surface of a Highland loch, rolling through waves at a coastal cove, or gliding through a chalk stream on a warm summer afternoon, your ears are exposed to water in a way that pool swimmers rarely experience. And in wild swimming environments, that exposure comes with its own unique set of considerations.
The Case for Wearing Earplugs in Open Water
Many wild swimmers dismiss earplugs as unnecessary, associating them purely with competitive pool swimming or sensitive ears. But there are several compelling reasons to reconsider.
Swimmer’s Ear and Surfer’s Ear
Repeated exposure to cold water can cause a condition known as exostosis, or surfer’s ear — a bony growth in the ear canal that develops over years of cold-water exposure. It’s common in surfers, but wild swimmers face exactly the same risk. Earplugs act as a simple barrier that can slow or prevent this build-up.
Then there’s swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), an outer ear infection often triggered by water becoming trapped in the ear canal. It’s uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and can keep you out of the water for days. A well-fitting pair of earplugs dramatically reduces the risk.
The Microbial Factor
Here’s where things get particularly relevant for wild swimmers. Unlike chlorinated pools, open water contains a complex ecosystem of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. Some of these — particularly E. coli, enterococci, and in rarer cases blue-green algae toxins — can pose real health risks if they enter the body through vulnerable areas, including the ears.
Earplugs create a physical seal that helps keep that water, and whatever’s in it, away from the delicate tissues of your ear canal. This is especially worth considering when swimming in waters of unknown or variable quality, such as after heavy rainfall when run-off can spike bacterial counts dramatically.
Choosing the Right Earplugs for Open Water
Not all earplugs are created equal, and the open-water environment places different demands on them compared to a calm pool lane.
Key Features to Look For
- Secure fit: Open water means movement, waves, and tumbling. Look for earplugs with flanged or custom-moulded designs that stay in place even in dynamic conditions.
- Waterproof seal: This sounds obvious, but some earplugs are designed primarily for noise reduction rather than water exclusion. Check that they’re specifically rated for swimming.
- Comfort over time: A wild swim might last 20 minutes or two hours. Soft silicone or putty-style options are often gentler on the ear canal for longer sessions.
- Visibility: Brightly coloured earplugs are easier to find if they do fall out — something to consider when you’re mid-river or in choppy sea water.
- Reusability and hygiene: Rinse your earplugs thoroughly after every swim and allow them to dry completely. Like any kit that goes in open water, they can harbour bacteria if not cared for properly.
Custom-Moulded vs Off-the-Shelf
If you swim frequently, it may be worth investing in custom-moulded earplugs fitted by an audiologist. They offer a superior seal and unbeatable comfort. That said, there are excellent off-the-shelf options at a fraction of the price that work brilliantly for most swimmers — particularly flanged silicone designs and mouldable wax or silicone putty types.
Earplugs Are One Layer of Protection — Water Quality Is Another
Earplugs are a smart addition to your kit, but they’re part of a broader approach to staying safe in open water. Knowing the quality of the water you’re swimming in is just as important as the gear you wear.
Many popular wild swimming spots in the UK lack regular, publicly available water quality data — particularly rivers and inland lakes. Rainfall events, agricultural run-off, and nearby sewage infrastructure can all affect bacterial levels rapidly and unpredictably. Testing the water before you swim gives you real, actionable information rather than guesswork.
At Wild Swimming Tests, we stock easy-to-use water quality test kits designed specifically for open-water swimmers. In minutes, you can get a clear picture of E. coli and coliform levels at your chosen spot, helping you make an informed decision about whether to swim, and how cautiously to do so.
Building Your Wild Swimming Safety Routine
The best approach to wild swimming safety is layered. Pack your earplugs. Bring your tow float. Check weather and water conditions before you go. And where you can, test the water — especially at spots you visit regularly or after periods of heavy rain.
Ready to take water quality into your own hands? Browse our range of wild swimming water test kits and swim with greater confidence every time you take the plunge.
📷 Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash
