⏱️ Estimated reading time: 7 min
Summarize with:
Key Takeaways
Can my child swim in a pool with ear tubes?
Yes, casual swimming in clean, chlorinated pools is usually considered safe, especially without deep diving.
Are earplugs required for every swim session?
Not always, but they are strongly recommended for lakes, oceans, diving, or if infections happened before.
Is diving safe with ear tubes?
Diving increases pressure and water force, ear protection is recommended.
How soon after surgery can swimming start?
Often after 1–3 days, but always follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Do swimming earplugs really help?
Yes, properly fitted swimming earplugs significantly reduce water entry and infection risk.
Swimming is one of the most common questions parents ask after their child gets ear tubes. The good news is that in most cases, children with ear tubes can still enjoy the water. The key is understanding when swimming is safe, when extra protection is recommended, and how to reduce the risk of infections.
This guide explains how ear tubes work, how water exposure affects them, what precautions matter, and how earplugs for water can help add an extra layer of protection.What Are Ear Tubes and Why Are They Used?
Ear tubes — also called tympanostomy tubes — are very small hollow cylinders placed in the eardrum by an ENT specialist. They are most commonly used in children, but adults with recurrent infections, fluid buildup, or pressure problems may also receive ear tubes. Their purpose is to ventilate the middle ear and allow trapped fluid to drain.They are typically recommended for children who have:- recurrent middle ear infections
- persistent fluid behind the eardrum
- pressure‑related pain
- temporary hearing reduction due to fluid buildup
Can Children Swim With Ear Tubes?
In most everyday situations, yes — children can swim with ear tubes. Modern clinical guidance generally agrees that casual, surface‑level swimming is usually safe, especially in clean, chlorinated pools.However, risk is not the same in all environments or activities. The chance that water may enter through the tube and irritate the middle ear increases with:- deep submersion
- diving and jumping
- swimming in untreated water
- forceful splashing
- long underwater sessions
When Extra Precautions Are Recommended
Additional protection is commonly advised when:- swimming in lakes, rivers, or the sea
- using hot tubs or soapy bathwater
- diving below the surface
- your child previously had infections after swimming
- there is active ear drainage
- the tube was placed very recently
How Long Should You Wait to Swim After Ear Tube Placement?
Most ENTs recommend a short recovery window after the procedure before returning to swimming. In many cases this is:- about 24–72 hours for light surface swimming
- longer if there is post‑procedure discomfort
- longer if the doctor observes delayed healing
What About Swimming After Ear Tubes Fall Out or Are Removed?
Once tubes fall out, the eardrum usually closes on its own. Swimming is often allowed without special precautions but only after confirmation that the opening has healed.If there is still a visible perforation, water protection is still recommended.A follow‑up ear check is the safest decision before returning to unrestricted swimming.Do Children With Ear Tubes Need Earplugs for Swimming?
Not always — but often yes in higher‑risk conditions.Clinical sources consistently show a pattern:- Clean chlorinated pools → often safe without plugs
- Natural water → plugs recommended
- Diving / submerging → plugs recommended
- History of infections → plugs recommended
- reduce direct water entry into the ear canal
- lower bacterial exposure risk
- reduce pressure shock from splashes
- provide confidence for parents and children
Swim Caps and Headbands — Do They Help?
Yes, but mostly as secondary protection.Swim caps and neoprene headbands can:- help hold earplugs in place
- reduce splash entry
- add a pressure buffer
After‑Swimming Ear Care Matters
Post‑swim habits make a difference, especially for children with ear tubes.Encourage your child to:- gently dry outer ears with a towel
- tilt the head to let water drain out
- avoid inserting cotton swabs deep into the ear
- report any pain or pressure
Warning Signs to Watch After Swimming
Seek medical advice if your child develops:- persistent ear pain
- fluid or pus drainage
- foul odor from the ear
- sudden hearing changes
- fever with ear discomfort
Content & Digital Marketing Manager at BOLLSEN at Bollsen
Timotej Prosenc is the Marketing Manager at BOLLSEN Hearing Protection, where he leads the company’s SEO strategy, content creation, and email marketing initiatives. With a background in journalism and sales, Timotej brings both storytelling skills and commercial insight to BOLLSEN’s mission of promoting healthier hearing.
His connection to hearing protection stems from personal experience with sound sensitivity during live events and work in noisy environments, an issue that made him more aware of the long-term risks of unmanaged noise exposure. Today, as both a communicator and a user of BOLLSEN products, he is passionate about raising awareness around the importance of proactive hearing care.
At BOLLSEN, he develops data-driven marketing campaigns, writes SEO-focused articles, and manages communication channels that connect customers with practical knowledge about hearing protection. His work ensures that BOLLSEN’s message—prioritizing health, performance, and sustainability reaches a global audience in an engaging and trustworthy way.
Passionate about writing since childhood, Timotej combines creativity with a strong analytical approach, continuously testing new ideas in digital marketing, performance advertising, and social media. He believes in learning through innovation and collaboration, balancing leadership with openness to new perspectives.
Beyond his professional role, Timotej is committed to a healthy lifestyle and finds inspiration in fitness, sports, and quality time with friends. His personal passion for well-being aligns with BOLLSEN’s core values, making his work not only a career but also a cause he deeply believes in.
His connection to hearing protection stems from personal experience with sound sensitivity during live events and work in noisy environments, an issue that made him more aware of the long-term risks of unmanaged noise exposure. Today, as both a communicator and a user of BOLLSEN products, he is passionate about raising awareness around the importance of proactive hearing care.
At BOLLSEN, he develops data-driven marketing campaigns, writes SEO-focused articles, and manages communication channels that connect customers with practical knowledge about hearing protection. His work ensures that BOLLSEN’s message—prioritizing health, performance, and sustainability reaches a global audience in an engaging and trustworthy way.
Passionate about writing since childhood, Timotej combines creativity with a strong analytical approach, continuously testing new ideas in digital marketing, performance advertising, and social media. He believes in learning through innovation and collaboration, balancing leadership with openness to new perspectives.
Beyond his professional role, Timotej is committed to a healthy lifestyle and finds inspiration in fitness, sports, and quality time with friends. His personal passion for well-being aligns with BOLLSEN’s core values, making his work not only a career but also a cause he deeply believes in.
Latest posts by Timotej Prosenc (see all)