The 10 Best Earplugs For Swimming

• Also available on Walmart, $7

The pre-molded flange design of Mack’s AquaBlock earplugs allows a more customized fit for your ear canal, helping to prevent unwanted issues such as swimmer’s ear. The pack comes with two pairs of reusable, washable silicone earplugs and a carrying case to keep them organized for worry-free pool days. In terms of ratings, thousands of buyers have given them an overall 4.4 stars.

One reviewer wrote: “My ears tend to get a lot of water stuck in them when I swim, so earplugs are a necessity for me. These work very well to keep the water out of my ears, are comfortable, and fit well under my swim cap. They're also easy to insert, remove, and clean. The case they come in is perfect to keep in my gym bag.”

You get 18 pairs of AquaEars’ earplugs for $13, which is a great value considering that they can be reused. They’re made of pliable silicone material, so they’re not only soft and moldable, but they can work for swimmers of all ages. The earplugs contain ActivAloe too, which is meant to guard against the growth of bacteria. As a bonus, they have a Noise Reduction Rating of 22 decibels.

One reviewer wrote: “This product makes swimming fun. The loud splashes in the pool don't bother me anymore because with the -22db rating of these earplugs, I can't notice or hear them at all. Also, these earplugs are absolutely water proof. All I have to do is twist them into my ears, and not one drop of water enters. As a result of using these Aqua Ears Soft Silicone Plugs, I am a much more focused swimmer.”

• Also available on Walmart, $19

Specifically sized for smaller ear canals, Mack’s waterproof earplugs are made of moldable silicone, which helps to seal out water and prevent swimmer's ear. Thanks to their bright orange color, they are super easy to find should they come out while swimming — another reason why they're an amazing choice for children. In addition to their underwater capabilities, these plugs have a 22-decibel Noise Reduction Rating and can be used for other activities or events during which you'd prefer a reduction in sound.

One reviewer wrote: "Used these ear plugs on 5yr old and 12 yr old for swimming. Easy to mould and fit into outer ear. Stayed in all the time they were in pool (3hrs), which 12 yr old thought was fantastic as she usually has problems with water in her ears.”

The hollow channel in Hearprotek's silicone earplugs allows you to still hear sounds and conversation during your water activities. This contoured, pre-molded silicone set comes with marked left and right plugs that easily fit into your ears and seal tight to prevent irritation. It's an overall great deal and includes two reusable pairs, each with its own storage and carrying case.

One reviewer wrote: “Perfect earplugs. I’ve tried so many over the years and finally found the ones I have been searching for. Once in, they don’t budge. They are comfy and really stay in place and keep the water from swishing in and out. I love the bright colors so if, in theory, I drop one in the water, I could find it. But I never take them out [because] they are so comfy, so I never drop them. Still, the bright colors are nice.”

• Also available on Speedo, $7

Speedo's Ergo earplugs are well-suited for those who partake in athletic diving or swimming, and are therefore the best solution for someone with an active water routine. Their contoured ergonomic shape offers a soft and comfortable, yet snug fit that prevents water from entering the ear canal. To keep things organized, the pair also comes with a compact carrying case.

One reviewer wrote: “They stayed in my ear no matter the intensity of my swimming. Great for training.”

Swim around in complete comfort with SwimStar’s goggle and earplug duo — they help to protect both your ears and eyes from unwanted chlorine and saltwater. This product is made from soft flexible rubber silicone, and the earplugs are attached to the glasses so that you'll never have to worry about losing them while swimming.

One reviewer wrote: “These goggles work great!! They have awesome suction so no water gets in, they don't fog and they even have ear plugs!!!”

Luiswell’s silicone earplugs have a Noise Reduction Rating of 26 decibels of noise — higher noise than the other picks on this list with an NRR rating. They’re made of a flexible silicone material and are fitted with a lanyard, which can help you keep better track of them, but you can also remove the lanyard and use the earplugs alone should you wish. The earplugs are reusable, and each pack comes with 12 pairs, plus a small carrying case. And since they are made to reduce noise, you might try using them for more than just swimming. Reviewers have popped them in to tune out unwanted sounds at work or to get peace and quiet for meditation.

One reviewer wrote: “I really like them. I can still hear someone if they are close, but the loud noises are very well muffled. They fit securely. Easy to wash clean.”

• Also available on Walmart, $17

Unlike most earplugs, Doc’s vented earplugs are designed with a small vent that allows divers to equalize the air pressure inside the ear. The earplugs are made of Dynaflex, a soft hypoallergenic plastic, and despite the presence of the small vent, the earplugs keep water out up to 20 feet in depth while protecting against swimmer’s ear. It’s attached to a lanyard to wear around your neck, and is available in three sizes, ranging from small to extra-large. According to the manufacturer, it reduces noise by up to 20 decibels.

One reviewer wrote: “These are amazing. I never thought I would be able to scuba dive due to several ear infections/ruptures and having had multiple sets of tubes in my ear but these work perfectly. I had no problem equilizing and absolutely no ear pain. I have bought several pair just incase.”

These Ear Band-It’s earplugs come with a headband that keeps your earplugs where they should be — in your ears. The set includes six pairs of Putty Buddies, made of a moldable putty material to conform to your unique ear shape, plus a neoprene headband, which secures over the ears with a velcro strip — both of which were invented by ear, nose, and throat physicians. Made for kids and adults alike, the headbands are available in small, medium, and large sizes, and three colors: black, pink, and blue.

One reviewer wrote: “My son has ear tubes and cannot have water enter the ear. The putty conforms to the shape of his ear and the band keeps the putty in place and also keeps him from touching and possibly knocking it out of his ear. He splashes around and absolutely no water gets in. It's comfortable for him too.”

• Also available on Walmart, $102

While IST ProEar’s dive mask functions differently from the other products on this list (in that they don’t plug your ear canal), it can serve the same function of keeping water out of your ears. The dive mask is fitted with “watertight cups” and has a special valve that allows for pressure equalization while you’re underwater. Although the cups rest over the ears, they don’t filter out noise — in fact, they’re made to amplify sound as you swim. The mask is designed with divers in mind, but shoppers have donned them for snorkeling and even as a tool for learning how to swim in a pool.

One reviewer wrote: “These goggles saved my summer swimming vacation. Right before my vacation I got an ear infection with a perforated eardrum. My [doctor] said don’t get water in my ear. So I purchased these along with regular swimming ear plugs for added protection. Best purchase I could have made. Saved this little mermaid from being sad the whole vacation.”