Custom Swim Plugs

Yes — custom swim plugs are especially important for children with pressure equalization (PE) tubes, also called myringotomy tubes. These tiny tubes create a direct opening between the ear canal and the middle ear space, and water entering the ear canal can travel through the tube and cause painful, difficult-to-treat middle ear infections. Many ENT physicians specifically recommend custom swim plugs for children with PE tubes.

A snug, custom-fabricated plug is far more reliable than a standard earplug or a cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly for water protection. Because Physicians Hearing Clinic shares a Bee Ridge Road building with our ENT colleagues at Shea ENT Clinic, children whose PE tubes were placed by an ENT physician have the added convenience of both their ENT and audiology care in the same complex. Call (941) 342-9494 to schedule a pediatric fitting.

For adults, custom swim plugs made from high-quality silicone or floatable materials typically last three to five years with proper care — rinsing after use, storing in their case, and keeping them away from extreme heat. Over time, the silicone can harden slightly, or the fit may change as the ear canal shape shifts with age or weight changes. If the plug starts leaking or feels loose, it's time for a new impression.

For children, the ear canal grows as the child grows — swim plugs usually need to be remade every one to two years for kids who are still in an active growth phase. If you notice your child's plug doesn't seem to be keeping water out as effectively as it once did, that's usually the first sign the fit has changed. Our Sarasota team will assess the fit at any follow-up visit and let you know when a new impression is needed.

Yes — that's the key advantage of a custom fit. Off-the-shelf foam or silicone plugs are designed for an average ear and can be dislodged by sudden head movements, dives, wave impact, or even vigorous lap turns. A custom-fabricated swim plug is shaped to the exact profile of your ear canal and the surrounding concha bowl, creating a mechanical lock that water pressure actually reinforces rather than defeats.

Competitive swimmers, surfers, and paddleboarders along Sarasota's coast routinely use custom swim plugs precisely because they stay in under conditions that standard plugs can't handle. For recreational swimmers who just want dry ears at Lido Key or Casey Key, the performance is even more reassuring. If you'd like to try your plugs before committing to the Gulf, the fitting appointment gives our team a chance to verify the seal and make any minor adjustments before you hit the water.