Ear Protection For Open Water Swimming

In this article we look at the best ear protection for open water swimming in cold lakes, seas and other environments. It's not hard to find a cold water spot in the UK and as an avid open water swimmer, we know that keeping your head and ears warm can really improve the enjoyment of the sport and hobby.

With swimming in cold environments, always take it slow, don't dive in head first, slowly wade in and acclimatise, swim with a buddy and follow the advice below and you'll have a much more enjoyable time and come out smiling and hopefully with warmer and more protected ears and head.

How can swimming affect your ears?

When water is left in your ear after swimming it creates a moist enviroment for bacterial growth.  If the skin lining your ear canal is already irritated or inflammed, this with the combination of stagnent water in your ear canal will encourage an infection to develop in your ear canal. This type of infection is known as Swimmers Ear (Otitis Externa). 

Those with long-term skin conditions such as eczema, psoriosis, dermatitis or allergic rhinitus are at a greater risk of developing swimmers ear. Additionally those swimming in waters in poluted water, or with high chemicals may both irritate the ear as well as keep it very moist.

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Swim Hats and Caps To Protect Your Ears

Your head is where you loose most of your body heat while swimming in cold water that is why is it essential to wear a hat or cap that will help to keep your head toasty warm. As well as this if the cap has the ability to cover your ears it means water around your ear will not be as cold as the surrounding water.