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7 Best Kids’ Earplugs for Swimming (2025 Reviews)

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Whether your family spends the summers in the pool or you’re taking a trip to the ocean or a lake, getting your child a pair of swimming earplugs may be a good idea. Earplugs help protect your child from getting water stuck in their ears, which could cause an infection. While not all kids actually need to wear earplugs when they’re swimming, it doesn’t hurt to have the added protection in place.

While there are many options on the market, I’ve found the 7 best kids’ earplugs for swimming that seem to be the most effective at protecting kids’ sensitive ears.

The Best Kids’ Earplugs for Swimming

  • 1. WaterDam Swimming Earplugs

    (Best protection — $$)

    Why it’s great: These silicone earplugs were specifically designed for kids’ delicate ears. They have a compact seal and wider flange that’s designed to bend and flex in just the right spot to fit comfortably in your child’s ear. They also have an anti-slide design that helps to keep them from falling out while your child is swimming. You’ll get three pairs, plus a case for portability, and these are designed so that they can be cleaned and reused. They come in three different colors and are sized for kids ages 4-14 years old. They’ll even fit in smaller adults’ ears.

    Keep in mind: These come in different sizes, so make sure you click on the right option for your child.

    Good for: Kids and adults of all ages, as long as you purchase the correct size.

    WaterDam Swimming Earplugs

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Putty Buddies Floating Earplugs 10-Pair Pack

    (Most fun — $$$)

    Why it’s great: These earplugs are made of a silicone putty that’s easy to shape and mold into the proper fit. You’ll get ten pairs of earplugs and a case for each set. They come in bright colors that are easy to spot anywhere in the pool and each pair comes with its own fun, animal-themed case. Their tacky texture helps keep them in place, and they’ll usually float if they do fall out. They’re soft and more comfortable than most earplugs since you can mold them into the shape you need. They’re also reusable and long-lasting.

    Keep in mind: These are disposable, so you do need to replace them every two weeks.

    Good for: Kids who want comfortable, moldy earplugs.

    Putty Buddies Floating Earplugs 10-Pair Pack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. UPINS Silicone Nose Clips & Earplugs

    (Best value — $)

    Why it’s great: This is a huge set at an affordable price, making it the best bang for your buck. You won’t have to worry if you lose a pair or two since you’ll get fourteen pairs of earplugs, plus fourteen nose plugs, too. They’re all different colors and sized for both adults and kids, so there’s something for the whole family. They’re made of silicone, so they’re washable and reusable. Plus, they’re soft and flexible, with an ergonomic shape for comfort.

    Keep in mind: These fit children perfectly but may be a little small or tight for large adults.

    Good for: Families who want a bunch of earplugs at an affordable price that’ll fit the whole family.

    UPINS Silicone Nose Clips & Earplugs

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Swimming Earplugs, 4 Pairs

    (Best for all ages — $)

    Why it’s great: This set comes with four pairs of earplugs in different colors. It also comes with a case for one pair, so you can take them on the go, whether you’re heading to a community pool, water park, ocean, etc. These earplugs are ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in the ear without causing any pressure or discomfort. They’re made of washable and reusable silicone, so they’ll last as long as you need them. They’re even-sized appropriately for both kids and smaller adults, so they’ll work for the whole family.

    Keep in mind: You only get one case, so you’ll have to find somewhere to store the other three pairs when not in use.

    Good for: Families who all need a good set of earplugs with a case for portability.

    Swimming Earplugs, 4 Pairs

    View on Amazon.com ➜

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  • 5. TYR Kids Soft Silicone Earplugs (6 Pairs)

    (Most comfortable — $)

    Why it’s great: These earplugs come in a set of six pairs in a portable case. They’re made of silicone putty, so they’re soft, comfortable, and moldable. It’s easy to get the perfect fit, and you don’t have to worry about any sharp or pointy edges digging into your child’s ear. These are sticky enough that they won’t fall out easily, and they can be reused around five times or so until they lose their stickiness. These are also super affordable, making them a great choice for families on a budget.

    Keep in mind: These are disposable and only last for two to five uses.

    Good for: Kids who need extra soft and customizable earplugs.

    TYR Kids Soft Silicone Earplugs (6 Pairs)

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. EAR BAND-IT Ultra Swimming Headband

    (Best for young kids — $$)

    Why it’s great: This swimming headband can help keep water out of your little one’s ears, whether you’re using earplugs or not. The inner lining is grippy and will stay in place, so you don’t have to worry about it coming off. It was invented by an ENT specifically to help prevent infections like Swimmer’s Ear. It also comes in multiple sizes ranging from 3 months up to adulthood, so there’s something for everyone. You can even choose from a few different patterns.

    Keep in mind: This headband was designed to help hold earplugs in place, so for best results, you’ll need to use this in conjunction with earplugs.

    Good for: Kids who are too young for earplugs or anyone that wants something to help hold earplugs in place.

    EAR BAND-IT Ultra Swimming Headband

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Ear Pro All Natural Swimmer Ear Spray

    (Best alternative — $$$)

    Why it’s great: If your child can’t wear earplugs for whatever reason, this spray may be a good alternative. Ear Pro ear spray creates a waterproof protective film over the outer ear canals to help prevent infections and other problems due to trapped water. It includes paraffin oil, which also helps to prevent exposure to contaminants or bacteria in the water. It’s made of high-quality oils with natural properties, so you don’t have to worry about it irritating your child’s skin.

    Keep in mind: This is not 100% full proof, but it can help to reduce the risk of water-related ear problems, even without earplugs.

    Good for: Kids or adults who can’t or don’t want to wear earplugs, but need some protection for their ears while swimming.

    Ear Pro All Natural Swimmer Ear Spray

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

WaterDam Swimming Earplugs

The WaterDam Swimming Earplugs is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

WaterDam Swimming Earplugs

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Kids’ Earplugs for Swimming

  • 1. Should kids wear earplugs for swimming?

    It may not be necessary for kids to wear earplugs for swimming, but it does help keep water out of their ears. Many doctors recommend that kids who have ear tubes wear them to prevent bacteria from entering the middle ear. Earplugs are an especially good idea for kids to wear if they’re going to be swimming in untreated water, such as lakes and oceans. Also, if your child frequently gets water stuck in their ears, earplugs may be the answer.

  • 2. Are earplugs safe for kids to wear swimming?

    Earplugs that fit your child properly are a safe and effective way to keep the water out of your little one’s ears while they’re swimming. Kids who love diving in the deep end are more at risk of developing ear infections from getting water stuck in their ears, so wearing earplugs is safer than putting them at risk.

  • 3. Can my child use foam earplugs when swimming?

    Foam earplugs were designed to block noise, not to keep out water. They won’t be an effective form of protection while your child is swimming. Silicone or other materials are best for swimming earplugs.

  • 4. At what age can my child wear earplugs for swimming?

    You can find earplugs that are designed for babies and toddlers, but usually, you’ll want to start using them around three to four years old. However, earplugs are really only necessary for kids who get chronic ear infections or have ear tubes. Most of the time, babies and toddlers won’t spend a whole lot of time with their heads dunked underwater, so it’s probably safe to wait until they’re a little older unless your pediatrician recommends it.

  • 5. What type of kids’ earplugs are best for swimming?

    Swimming earplugs are usually made of silicone or putty. Either of these types works well at keeping water out of the ears. There are also a couple of alternatives to earplugs that may help. Whichever solution you choose should be the one that works the best for your child. There is no one type that’s better than others for everyone.

Conclusion

Getting water stuck in your ears can be painful, especially for children. They’re also more prone to getting ear infections like Swimmer’s Ear. That’s why it’s so important to find some protection for their little ears. If your child suffers from chronic ear infections or has ear tubes, you’ll want to invest in quality earplugs to keep them protected while they’re in the water.

Each of the choices on this list offers a different fit and feel for your child. You should be able to find at least one that they find comfortable and that works well for your little one.