Key takeaways
- Water gets trapped in the ear canal due to its curved shape or a buildup of earwax.
- If left too long, trapped water can sometimes contribute to ear infections.
- A few simple techniques can help drain water from your ears at home.
- Purpose-built swimming earplugs help keep water out during swims and water sports.
- Alpine offers swimming and water sports earplugs for adults (WaterSafe, WaterSafe Pro, and the soft, mouldable SoftSilicone) and for children aged 3 to 12 (Pluggies Kids).
- All Alpine swimming earplugs come with a 100-day satisfaction guarantee.
Why water gets trapped in your ear?
When you shower, swim, or play water sports, it's easy for water to get into your ear. Most of the time, the water drains naturally. Though sometimes, water gets stuck in the ear canal, which is the passage that runs from your outer ear to your eardrum. The ear canal is roughly S-shaped, but its exact shape and size vary from person to person. A narrower ear canal can make water more likely to become trapped. A buildup of earwax can also cause water to become stuck.
Did you know that... ...earwax is water repellent? Because of this, earwax can help water drain from your ear on its own. Earwax also helps maintain a healthy environment in the ear canal, which may help reduce the chance of water staying trapped.
Who is most at risk?
It is not unusual to get water in your ear, but it is more common among people who spend a lot of time in the water, like regular swimmers and surfers. Water can also get trapped after showering, especially when washing your hair. That full, muffled feeling is your ear telling you something is still in there.
What happens if water stays in your ear?
Having water briefly trapped in your ear is usually harmless, but it is worth making sure it drains properly. If you spend a lot of time in the water, your ears are more frequently exposed to moisture, which can sometimes cause discomfort. This is why swimmers and water sports enthusiasts are more likely to experience ear discomfort after time in the water.
The best approach is a simple one: dry your ears properly after every swim or session, and use swimming earplugs to help reduce how much water gets in. If your ear feels blocked, itchy, or sore after time in the water, it is worth contacting your doctor.
How to get water out of your ear?
The water in your ear will usually drain without you having to do anything. If it remains trapped in your ear canal, there are a few things you can try:
#1. Let gravity do its work
Lie on your side for a few minutes with the affected ear facing down. This often allows the water to drain on its own.
#2. Tug on your earlobe
Gently pull and wiggle your earlobe while tilting your head toward your shoulder.
#3. Move your jaw
Yawning, chewing, and other jaw movements can sometimes help water drain your ear.
#4. Create a gentle vacuum
Tilt the affected ear toward your shoulder and cover it with the palm of your hand. Press your flattened hand gently against your ear, then cup it slightly to move it away. Repeat a few times while tilting your head.
How to help stop water from getting trapped in your ears?
Keeping water from getting into your ears is straightforward with a few consistent habits.
Use swimming earplugs
A practical way to reduce how much water reaches your ear canal is to wear purpose-built swimming earplugs. Alpine has a range of options designed for swimming, water sports, and showering. Each is built to help keep water out while letting you stay aware of your surroundings. Explore the full range on our swimming earplugs.
Wear a swimming cap
A swimming cap gives you an extra layer of protection. It is available in silicone or latex in a wide range of colours and designs that also help protect your hair from saltwater and chlorine.
Dry your ears after every session
Get into the habit of drying your outer ear with a towel as soon as you get out of the water. Tilt your head to one side to let any remaining water drain, then tilt it to the other side.
Choosing the right swimming earplugs
Not all swimming earplugs are the same. Here is a quick guide to help you pick the right pair.
Alpine WaterSafe
Alpine WaterSafe is designed for every moment on and in the water, swimming, surfing, triathlon, kite, windsurfing, kayaking, and showering. The flexible HydroWing helps keep the earplug in place with every splash. The waterproof sound filter keeps water and wind out while letting sounds through, helping protect against water-related conditions including swimmer's ear and surfer's ear. Two tip sizes, M and L, help you find a comfortable fit. It comes with a carry case with ventilation holes so your earplugs can air dry naturally between uses. Reusable and durable, protection depends on proper fit and seal.
Alpine WaterSafe Pro
Alpine WaterSafe Pro is built for water sports enthusiasts and regular swimmers who want extra stability and security in the water. The soft wingtip helps keep the earplug stable, and the water-repellent mesh filter is designed to keep water and wind out. The double layer ear tips come in two sizes, M and L. An adjustable cord with an integrated magnet keeps the earplugs clipped together when worn around your neck between uses. Reusable and durable, protection depends on proper fit and seal.
Alpine Pluggies Kids
Alpine Pluggies Kids is made for smaller ear canals and is suitable for children aged 3 to 12. Standard swimming earplugs are often too big for children's ears, and a good fit is essential for effectiveness. Pluggies Kids is designed for a comfortable and secure fit, making it well suited to swimming lessons and general water play. Attenuation of 26 dB SNR, protection depends on proper fit and seal.
At a glance: WaterSafe vs. WaterSafe Pro
| Alpine WaterSafe | Alpine WaterSafe Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Swimming, surfing, triathlon, kite and windsurfing, kayaking, showering | Water sports enthusiasts and regular swimmers who want extra stability and security |
| Fit System | Flexible HydroWing, 2 tip sizes (M and L) | Soft wingtip, double layer ear tips, 2 sizes (M and L) |
| Attenuation | Reduces higher frequencies more | Reduces all frequencies evenly |
| Sound | Waterproof filter | Water-repellent mesh filter |
| Cord / leash | Not included | Adjustable cord with integrated magnet |
| Case | Carry case with ventilation holes for air drying | Quick dry storage pouch |
| Available colors | Black and Transparent | Black and Transparent |
| Reusable | Yes, reusable and durable* | Yes, reusable and durable* |
| Age suitability | Adults (12+) | Adults (12+) |
Frequently asked questions about swimming earplugs:
#1. Which swimming earplugs are right for regular pool swimmers?
Alpine WaterSafe earplugs are designed for every moment on and in the water, swimming, surfing, triathlon, showering, and more. They feature a flexible HydroWing for a secure fit, a waterproof sound filter that helps keep water out, and come with two tip sizes, M and L. They are reusable and easy to clean, and store in a ventilated carry case. See the product comparison section above for a full breakdown.
#2. Are there swimming earplugs for children?
Yes. Alpine Pluggies Kids are made specifically for smaller ear canals and are suitable for children aged 3 to 12. Standard adult swimming earplugs are often too large for children's ears, which means they can slip and let water in more easily. Pluggies Kids is designed for smaller ear canals and is suitable for swimming lessons and general water play.
#3. Will swimming earplugs help keep water out?
Alpine swimming earplugs are designed and shaped specifically for water use, unlike general purpose earplugs. WaterSafe is suited to regular swimming, showering, and a wide range of water sports. WaterSafe Pro is built for water sports enthusiasts and regular swimmers who want extra stability and security. Both are washable. As with any earplug, effectiveness depends on correct insertion and a proper seal.
#4. Do I need different earplugs for water sports versus pool swimming?
Different activities may call for different earplugs. Alpine WaterSafe is the softer, simpler option suited to pool laps and showering. Alpine WaterSafe Pro has a double layer ear tip in two sizes, M and L, a wingtip for extra stability, and a water-repellent mesh filter, making it suited to surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and other high movement water activities. See the product comparison section above for details.
#5. Are Alpine swimming earplugs reusable?
Both WaterSafe and WaterSafe Pro are reusable and durable. They are made from soft, flexible materials that are easy to clean. WaterSafe comes with a ventilated carry case to help earplugs air dry naturally. WaterSafe Pro comes with a quick dry storage pouch.
#6. Not sure which pair is right for you?
Alpine offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee on all products. If the earplugs are not the right fit for your needs, Alpine will help you find a solution.
In summary
Having water trapped in your ears is never pleasant, and making sure it drains properly matters. Alpine swimming earplugs are designed for swimming, showering, and water sports. Whether you are doing pool laps, surfing, or just washing your hair, there is an Alpine option built for your situation.
Enjoy your time in the water with a comfortable, well fitted earplug designed for your activity. Shop our swimming earplugs and find the right fit for your water routine. All products come with a 100-day satisfaction guarantee.
