---
title: Prevent swimmer's ear this summer
description: Custom swim plugs are a great way to protect your ears, prevent infections, and enjoy swimming without worry. Discover tips to keep your ears healthy this summer.
image: https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hubfs/AdobeStock_61524072.jpg
---
[](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz)
- [Hearing Services](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/)
- [Basic Hearing Check](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/basic-hearing-checks/)
- [Full Diagnostic Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Tinnitus Assesment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/tinnitus-assessment/)
- [New Hearing Aid Fitting](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/new-hearing-aid-fitting/)
- [Child Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/child-hearing-assessment/)
- [Custom Hearing Protection](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/custom-hearing-protection/)
- [Hearing Aid Maintenance & Support](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/hearing-aid-maintenance-and-support/)
- [Pre-Employment / Workplace Hearing Test](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/auditory-processing-disorder-apd/)
- [Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/micro-suction-ear-wax-removal/)
- [Hearing Aid Funding](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aid-funding/)
- [Hearing Aids](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/)
- [Our Products](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/our-products/)
- [Care & How-to's](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/care-and-how-tos/)
- [Insuring your Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/insuring-your-hearing-aids)
- [Hearing Aid Battery Recycling](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-battery-recycling/)
- [Locked vs. Unlocked Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/locked-vs-unlocked-hearing-aids/)
- [Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/)
- [How we hear](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/how-we-hear/)
- [Symptoms of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/symptoms-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Types of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Impact on Health](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/impact-on-health/)
- [Local Client Stories](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/case-studies/)
- [Tinnitus](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/tinnitus-information/)
- [Blog](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/)
- [Clinics](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/contact/)
- [Hearing Check](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/online-hearing-check)
Make that appointment for you or a loved one
Make that appointment for you or a loved one
[Request Appt](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/contact/)
- [Hearing Services](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/)
- [Basic Hearing Check](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/basic-hearing-checks/)
- [Full Diagnostic Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Tinnitus Assesment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/tinnitus-assessment/)
- [New Hearing Aid Fitting](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/new-hearing-aid-fitting/)
- [Child Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/child-hearing-assessment/)
- [Custom Hearing Protection](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/custom-hearing-protection/)
- [Hearing Aid Maintenance & Support](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/hearing-aid-maintenance-and-support/)
- [Pre-Employment / Workplace Hearing Test](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/auditory-processing-disorder-apd/)
- [Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/micro-suction-ear-wax-removal/)
- [Hearing Aid Funding](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aid-funding/)
- [Hearing Aids](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/)
- [Our Products](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/our-products/)
- [Care & How-to's](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/care-and-how-tos/)
- [Insuring your Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/insuring-your-hearing-aids)
- [Hearing Aid Battery Recycling](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-battery-recycling/)
- [Locked vs. Unlocked Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/locked-vs-unlocked-hearing-aids/)
- [Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/)
- [How we hear](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/how-we-hear/)
- [Symptoms of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/symptoms-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Types of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Impact on Health](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/impact-on-health/)
- [Local Client Stories](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/case-studies/)
- [Tinnitus](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/tinnitus-information/)
- [Blog](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/)
- [Clinics](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/contact/)
- [Hearing Check](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/online-hearing-check)
[\<\< Back to All Articles](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog)
# Prevent swimmer's ear this summer
With summer on the horizon, many of us are gearing up for days at the pool or beach. While cooling off in the water is a great way to beat the heat, it’s important to protect your ears to avoid swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa. This common ear infection can turn your summer fun into a painful experience.
## What is swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, caused when water gets trapped inside the ear. This creates a warm, moist environment ideal for bacteria – and sometimes viruses or fungi – to grow. The health of the ear canal is typically regulated by ear wax, but frequent swimming, especially in chlorinated water, can disrupt the wax’s natural balance and affect the ear canal's pH, increasing the risk of infection.
## Tips to prevent swimmer’s ear
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect your ears. After swimming, make sure to dry your ears thoroughly by tilting your head from side to side to drain any trapped water, then gently use a towel to dry the outer ear. Another effective way to prevent swimmer’s ear is by wearing swimmer’s ear plugs. These plugs create a barrier that keeps water out of the ear canal, significantly reducing the risk of infection.
## Why choose custom swim plugs?
Custom-made swim plugs are a fantastic option for anyone who spends a lot of time in the water. Unlike generic plugs, they are moulded to fit your ears perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and protection. Plus, they’re made to float, so you won’t lose them if they pop out in the pool or ocean.
Swim plugs are especially beneficial for those with a history of ear surgery, grommets, or ongoing ear issues. By creating a secure barrier against water, they help protect sensitive ears while allowing you to enjoy swimming with peace of mind.
## Stay safe and enjoy your summer
Swim plugs are a small investment that can make a big difference to your ear health, helping you avoid the pain and inconvenience of swimmer’s ear. Talk to your audiologist today to learn more about custom swim plugs and other ways to protect your ears this summer.
Click [here](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/contact/) to find your local clinic.
Article contributed on Wednesday 20 Nov 2024 by
NZ Hearing
[More articles by this author](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/author/nz-hearing)
[\<\< Back to All Articles](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog)
## New Zealand, make that appointment
### And give yourself a pat on the back for being proactive
- Quick Links
- [About Us](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/about/)
- [Love Your Hearing Foundation](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/love-your-hearing-foundation/)
- [Join Us](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/join-us/)
- [Refer a Friend](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/refer-a-friend/)
- [Blog](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Care & How-to's](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/care-and-how-tos/)
- [Hearing Aid Battery Recycling](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-battery-recycling/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/privacy-policy/)
- Local Clinics
- [Brenna Sincock Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/brenna-sincock-hearing/)
- [Ed Thynne Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/ed-thynne-hearing/)
- [Hamilton Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hamilton-hearing/)
- [Laura Arnold Audiology](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/laura-arnold-audiology/)
- [Lisa Keen Audiology](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/lisa-keen-audiology/)
- [Melanie Mackenzie Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/melanie-mackenzie-hearing/)
- [New Zealand Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/new-zealand-hearing/)
- [Sarah Lies Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/sarah-lies-hearing/)
- [Teresa Burns Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/teresa-burns-hearing/)
- [Wanaka Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/wanaka-hearing/)
New Zealand Hearing proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated.
love your hearing
Follow us for more
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "NZ Hearing",
"url" : "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/author/nz-hearing"
},
"dateModified" : "2024-11-20T21:22:48.654Z",
"datePublished" : "2024-11-19T22:01:30.000Z",
"headline" : "Prevent swimmer's ear this summer",
"image" : [ "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hubfs/AdobeStock_61524072.jpg" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/prevent-swimmers-ear-this-summer",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hubfs/images/logos/nzh-new.png"
},
"name" : "Audiology Support"
}
}
```