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Swimming is a delightful and beneficial activity that many of us enjoy. However, for individuals with grommets, also known as ear tubes, swimming can present unique challenges. These small tubes are surgically inserted into the ear to help prevent infections and improve hearing, but they can require special care when it comes to water activities. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about grommets and swimming.
Grommets are tiny tubes that are placed in the eardrum during a minor surgical procedure. They are commonly used to treat chronic ear infections or fluid build-up in the middle ear, especially in children. By allowing air to enter the middle ear, grommets help balance pressure and prevent fluid accumulation.
What to Expect After Grommet Surgery
Grommet surgery, also called a myringotomy with tube insertion, is a short procedure and recovery is straightforward for most people. Pain is usually mild and settles with paracetamol or ibuprofen; severe pain is not normal and is a reason to call your ENT. Clear, slightly bloody or yellowish discharge for a few days is normal too, as is a muffled or “full” feeling while the ear settles. Most people are back at school or work the next day, with caution around contact sports until your ENT says otherwise.
Expect a first check two to three weeks after surgery, then follow-ups every four to six months. Grommets usually stay in for 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer, before falling out on their own as the eardrum heals.
Can You Swim with Grommets?
One of the first questions parents and individuals have after grommet surgery is, “Can you swim with grommets?” The short answer is yes, but with some precautions. It’s important to protect the ears from water to prevent infections and ensure the grommets function properly.
Clean, chlorinated pools carry the lowest risk, and many ENT clinics are happy with surface swimming there. Lakes, rivers, the sea, hot tubs and soapy bathwater carry more risk because the water is untreated or passes through the tube more easily. For timing, many clinics allow light surface swimming within a few days of surgery, but always go by the date your ENT gives you.
If it is your child who has the grommets, our guide to what happens if water gets in a child’s ears with tubes covers the child-specific advice, from bath time to pool play.
Do You Have to Wear Earplugs After Grommets?
Not in every situation, but often in real life. ENT guidance has moved away from a blanket water ban towards protection matched to the risk:
- Clean pool, surface swimming: earplugs are optional for many people, though a sensible precaution.
- Lakes, rivers or the sea: earplugs are strongly recommended, because untreated water carries a higher infection risk.
- Diving or going deeper than about 1 metre (3 feet): most clinics advise against it; if you do go deeper, use well-fitting water earplugs.
- Frequent swimmers, anyone prone to ear infections, or anyone who feels discomfort when water gets in: earplugs are usually advisable.
At home, normal showering and bathing is usually fine. Avoid pouring water straight into the ears or putting your head under soapy bathwater. If you want extra protection, many clinics suggest cotton wool with a little Vaseline, water earplugs or a shower cap. Your ENT will tell you which of these applies to you.
Swimming Ear Protection
When swimming with grommets, ear protection is essential. Here are some effective options to consider:
Earplugs, grommets and swimming
Earplugs are a popular choice for protecting the ears while swimming. They come in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to find a comfortable fit. Silicone swimming earplugs, like Watersafe+ and Kidz+, sit snugly in the ear and help keep water out of the ear canal. Whether earplugs are right for ears with grommets is a question for your ENT specialist.
How to Use Earplugs
- Choose the Right Size: Ensure that the earplugs fit snugly in the ear.
- Insert Properly: Gently pull the top of your ear upward and outward, then insert the earplug.
- Test the Seal: Move your head side to side; if the plugs stay in place, they are secure.
Swimming Headbands
Swimming headbands can be used in conjunction with earplugs for added protection. These headbands wrap around the head and cover the ears, helping to keep earplugs in place and further prevent water from entering the ear canal.
Custom-Fit Ear Molds
For those who swim frequently, custom-fit ear molds are an excellent investment. These are made by taking an impression of the ear to create a mold that fits perfectly, offering superior protection compared to standard earplugs.
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Consult Your Doctor
Before hitting the pool, consult your healthcare provider to get personalized advice. They can provide guidance based on the individual’s specific medical history and needs.
Start Slow
If you or your child have recently had grommet surgery, start with short swimming sessions. Gradually increase the time spent in the water as you become more comfortable and confident with the ear protection measures.
Keep Ears Dry Post-Swim
After swimming, ensure that the ears are thoroughly dried. Use a towel to gently pat the outer ear, and if necessary, use a hairdryer on a low setting to ensure no moisture remains in the ear canal.
Avoid Diving and Deep Water Activities
Diving or swimming in deep waters can increase the pressure on the ears and potentially dislodge the grommets. Stick to shallow water activities to minimize risks.
Recognizing Signs of Infection
Even with precautions, it’s essential to recognize the signs of an ear infection. Symptoms can include:
- Ear pain that is severe or getting worse
- Thick, green or foul-smelling discharge, or discharge that lasts more than a week or comes back after stopping
- Difficulty hearing, sudden hearing loss or severe dizziness
- Fever, especially over 38.3°C (101°F)
If any of these symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and treatment.
Conclusion
Swimming with grommets doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. With your ENT’s guidance and the right precautions, most people with grommets can keep enjoying the water. Always prioritize ear protection and consult with healthcare professionals when in doubt. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that swimming remains a fun and beneficial activity for everyone involved.
Remember, the key to a safe swimming experience with grommets is preparation and protection. Embrace the water, but do so wisely, to maintain healthy ears and peace of mind.
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.
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