Earplugs for swimming?

[cleo27]

DD had tubes put in her ears when she was 2 years old. I know one of the tubes is definitely out, and the last time she went to the doctor it looked like the other was out also. She has not had an ear infection in over 6 months (yay!)

She will be starting swimming lessons next week and I am wondering if we need to worry about having earplugs for her?

Anyone thoughts? I looked around online a bit and it seems that there are different thoughts on this issue.

Thanks,

Cleo
Proud Mama to DD, 6/2004

[lilycat88]

DD was on her 3rd set of tubes by age 2 1/2. Her ENT told us to not worry about "clean" water such as bath water or swimming pools. He only wanted her to stay out of things like lakes and rivers. She's had 2 summers of swimming lessons with no problem. She's had a couple of ear infections but they were attributed to upper respiratory infections she had at the time, not the water. The only thing we've noticed is that sometimes she is a little more sensitive to water getting into her ear than other kids. But it's only occasionally and she moves on quickly.

[cleo27]

Originally Posted by lilycat88

The only thing we've noticed is that sometimes she is a little more sensitive to water getting into her ear than other kids. But it's only occasionally and she moves on quickly.

I was really wondering about the sensitivity aspect, because sometimes she complains in the bath if water gets in her ears. That is good to know that it does not ruin the experience for your DD.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Kungjo]

I would get her earplugs, but that's just me. My older DD is prone to ear infections so when she goes swimming, she wears earplugs just to be safe.
I rather deal with earplugs than an ear infection.

[galvjen]

DS, 15 months, got tubes 2 months ago. The ENT gave me a published article (n = ~1500) showing strict use of ear plugs for 3 years resulted in 1 less infection than a group using no earplugs. ENT said at water depths of <11 feet, ear plugs aren't worth the hassle.

Jen

[lilycat88]

You might tell the swimming instructor that your DD has ear tubes just so he/she is aware. The time we really noticed it impacting Susanna was when she was floating on her back. Something about the sensation of water in her ears when she is on her back caused her some grief. But, it really didn't last long. Just tell the instructor to not force her to put her ears in the water when doing back float or whatever position might cause irritation to your DD. She'll do it in her time as she gets used to the sensation. (I taught swimming for over 15 years).

[baileygirl]

DS (21 months) has tubes, and we don't use ear plugs. Both his ENT and ped, said he didn't need ear plugs (for swimming in pools or baths). I had actually bought ear plugs anyway, but he hated them in and started trying to put other items in his ears. We haven't used them and haven't had any problems.

[jessejo28]

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/earbanearret.html