Earplugs

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2007-05-28 8:31 PM

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Subject: Earplugs
Ok - so not having grown up a water rat, what are the precise purposes of earplugs when swimming? I suppose my main question is: are they supposed to completely seal out water, or are they supposed to reduce the volume in your ear, thereby reducing the water in your ear and hence reducing the splashing annoyance you feel when swimming?

If, they are to seal completely, what is the best way to do this? I have used foam earplugs for work where you roll it between your finger while pulling up and back on your ear and then let it expand. Is there a similar type of action that I should do to get it to fully seal? The Speedo instruction pamphlet says not to push it into your ears...?

How many times can you reuse them?

2007-05-28 10:50 PM
in reply to: #819667

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Master
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Subject: RE: Earplugs
I'm far from an expert, but I've used Mack earplugs, both the waxy ones and the reusable rubbery ones.  The reasons I've heard to use them are, one, if the water is very cold it will help you from getting as dizzy and, two, to help prevent infection.  I have had no problems with the waxy stuff or the rubbery ones sealing completely.  I don't know how much I'd reuse the waxy ones, but I've been able to get many uses out of the rubbery ones so far.  Perhaps someone else with more experience will reply.
2007-05-28 11:19 PM
in reply to: #819667

Elite
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Subject: RE: Earplugs

I've been using Mack's earplugs for every swim for a little over a year. They are "moldable silicone" and they look like little balls of wax. Just ball 'em up and shove em in. They work like champs and keep out all the water. I usually get 5-6 uses out of each pair before they stop sealing.

http://www.trisports.com/macksearplugs.html

 

2007-05-29 8:18 AM
in reply to: #819797

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Elite
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New City, New York
Subject: RE: Earplugs

never had luck w/ the moldable ones. I use these (duane reade) and have had them for at least a year.

 





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2007-05-30 4:18 PM
in reply to: #819667

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Extreme Veteran
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Columbia, MO
Subject: RE: Earplugs

I am not sure why others use them, but i use them to completely seal out any water from entering my ear.  I swam without them from about 2 months when i first started and I was miserable after swimming because I always felt like there was water down in my ear.  Also I would get dizzy and have headaches after I swam because my ears are very sensative to pressure changes.  

I have the reusable silicone ones (similar to the picture above)  They work great.  I have had them for about 6 months now and they are still working great.    I figure i wont replace them until I lose them somewhere.

 Josh

2007-05-31 2:54 PM
in reply to: #819667

Member
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Toronto
Subject: RE: Earplugs
Yes, I run the risk of ear infections because of some common defect in one of my tubes in the ears. I recommend them to all. Kind of a pain to put on before swimming but it helps keep the water out. And yeah, my dad is an ear doctor.

2007-06-01 4:54 PM
in reply to: #823004

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Subject: RE: Earplugs
crozetiga - 2007-05-30 5:18 PM

..I would get dizzy and have headaches after I swam..



I always get dizzy / miserable after being in cold water... and as it is, my ears are overly sensitive to air temperature changes. Now I think I finally understand (what will be) the purpose of using earplugs while swimming!

Thanks for the insight.
2007-06-02 9:34 PM
in reply to: #826296

Elite
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Subject: RE: Earplugs
G-Moose - 2007-06-01 3:54 PM
crozetiga - 2007-05-30 5:18 PM

..I would get dizzy and have headaches after I swam..

I always get dizzy / miserable after being in cold water... and as it is, my ears are overly sensitive to air temperature changes. Now I think I finally understand (what will be) the purpose of using earplugs while swimming! Thanks for the insight.

yup, that's the same reason I started using them - dizzy / motion sick swimming in cold water.

 

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