Best Earplugs for Snorkeling
One top reason why a snorkeler may want to wear earplugs is if they often develop ear infections after swimming or snorkeling. Other reasons may include feeling uncomfortable when water floods your ears or just hat the feeling of water in your ears after snorkeling. If you fall into any of the categories mentioned above, earplugs designed for snorkeling and swimming will work just fine for surface snorkeling.
On the other hand, if you enjoy diving underwater while snorkeling, then vented earplugs will be your best choice. These are ideal for scuba divers as well as snorkelers going underwater for closer observation of marine life.
Before diving deeper into this article, it’s important to mention that regular earplugs used for noise cancelation should not be used in snorkeling. These will actually cause more harm than good when used for water sports.
Top rated earplugs for snorkeling
Now let’s look at some of the best earplugs for snorkeling you should look into buying for your next adventures.
Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
Doctor-recommended earplugs as well as an amazon choice item with thousands of reviews to get you started.
These moldable earplugs are very popular among many snorkelers and those engaging in surface activities such as surfing. The earplugs mold to perfectly fit your ear keeping the water out.
This is a great option for surface snorkeling and swimming to prevent ear infections and basically keep the water out.
Unlike other swimming earplugs that rarely fit perfectly and keep falling off, these plugs adjust to fit each ear shape.
If you only plan on snorkeling on the water’s surface then this is a good place to start. They are very affordable and come in a 6-pair (pack of 2) as well as a 6-pair pack of 8 if shopping for a large group.
The downside to these earplugs is that they are not fit for underwater snorkeling. It’s important to note that they do cancel noise just like the standard earplugs.
Doc’s ProPlugs- Preformed Protective Vented Earplugs (pair) Clear With Leash
As the name suggests, these are vented earplugs designed for divers or use underwater while snorkeling. The design prevents the earplugs from getting pushed deep into the ear canal as you dive underwater.
Unlike standard earplugs that can easily pop due to changes in water pressure, these vented earplugs stay intact when you dive in for close observations.
Picking the right size will help the earplugs stay intact as well as allow you to easily equalize. they also prevent ear squeeze, infections, and vertigo often caused by water in the ears.
The earplugs are designed and reviewed by a doctor. The plugs have small vents that allow dives to equalize without letting water into the ear.
Ideal for scuba divers who have problems equalizing as well as snorkelers diving underwater for the magnificent views. You can also use them for surface snorkeling, no harm in doing so.
When buying earplugs for use in water, always ensure the sizing is correct. A snug fit is ideal to keep the water out and ensure your ears stay potted at all times.
Side Note: Some snorkel sets do come with earplugs included. If you are looking for a full snorkel set that includes earplugs here is an affordable option to get you started.
Do earplugs help snorkeling?
Yes, earplugs designed for swimming and snorkeling will help a lot in surface snorkeling especially if you often get ear infections after snorkeling.
While most snorkelers don’t need or use earplugs, they can be helpful in many ways. First, the earplugs protect the ear from sudden pressure changes when water flows into the ear. As a beginner or first-time snorkeler, you may not have mastered the art of equalizing the ears.
In addition, as cold water flows into the ear, this can be a very uncomfortable feeling for some people. The earplugs will help ease the feeling of having your face and ears in the water.
If you experience dizziness or feel nauseous or develop an ear infection after snorkeling, it could be due to having some water left in the ear canal. The condition is known as the swimmer’s ear. When some water is left in the ear canal, it cates a good environment for bacteria to thrive leading to the ear infection.
While snorkeling is a surface activity and may not need you to equalize your ears as often as in scuba diving, the water in your ears can still be uncomfortable. Invest in a pair of good snorkeling earplugs to enjoy snorkeling even more.
Want a #snorkeling experience unlike any other? #SnorkeltheReef with us! (Photo: Dry Tortugas National Park) #DryTortugas #Snorkel #Seaplanes #KeyWest pic.twitter.com/BXtKu3jKYh
— Seaplane Adventures (@KWSeaplaneAdv) August 1, 2019
How do you keep water out of your ears when snorkeling?
As mentioned above, using earplugs designed for snorkeling or swimming will help keep water out of your ears when snorkeling.
Other ways to keep water out while snorkeling include wearing a mask and ear covers. My favorite mask with ear covers is the IST ProEar Dive mask. This is a high-quality scuba diving mask that can also be used for snorkeling.
The silicon ear covers attached to the mask seal the ear making it watertight. Unlike earplugs that risk falling out while snorkeling, a well-fitting mask with ear covers can’t fall or allow any water through the tight silicon seal.
If you enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling, investing in such a mask will save you money spent on purchasing different gear for each activity.
Another way to keep water out of the ears is by wearing a diving beanie or hoodie that covers the ears. These are mostly worn by scuba divers and you would rarely see a snorkeler wearing one. The neoprene material used to make the beanie or hoodie prevents water from quickly flooding the ears affecting ear pressure and equalization while diving.
Just in case you have one with you when you decide to go snorkeling, there is absolutely no shame in wearing a diving beanie to protect your ears. I love this beanie style as it has a simple design, keeps my hair well-maintained, offers insulation, and most importantly keeps water out of the ears.
Pat snorkeling the beautiful ocean in Bonaire… #travel #snorkel #ttot #TravelTuesday #ocean #Bonaire pic.twitter.com/ccDfmpVfzF
— Wayne Dunlap (@wdunlap) May 16, 2017
Read More: Best Waterproof Phone Pouch for Snorkeling
Can you wear earplugs underwater?
Regular or standard earplugs used for noise cancelation should never be worn underwater for snorkeling or diving. The solid material used to make these earplugs creates an air space that can’t be equalized risking ear damage.
Personally, I only recommend using swimming earplugs for surface snorkeling. These are way better and safer than solid earplugs. Regular earplugs will surely seal the ear well and prevent any water from getting in but you can’t equalize your ears in them. Secondly, since they cancel out noise from the surroundings it would be hard to hear your friends calling or any oncoming danger.
Vented earplugs are safe for diving underwater whether scuba diving or snorkeling underwater. These are very easy to equalize in and don’t create any air seal in the a that can be potentially dangerous when underwater.
Since you never know when you may need to dive in when snorkeling for a close marine life observation, it’s best to be prepared by wearing vented earplugs.
Is it safe to snorkel with ear plugs?
Standard or regular solid earplugs are not safe for snorkeling or diving underwater.
As seen above, this type of earplug creates an air space in the ear that can’t be equalized. This is very dangerous as you risk damaging your ear as you try and force the ears to equalize while underwater. We’ve also seen that they pose a risk since you can barely hear any sounds surrounding you.
On the other hand, vented earplugs allow you to hear your surroundings, and allow equalization while keeping water out of the ears.
Generally, earplugs designed for use on or underwater are safe to us as long as they fit snugly and don’t have any defects or issues.
Going snorkeling in Cozumel’s crystal clear waters is an experience you will never forget. 🤿
–
Nunca olvidarás la experiencia de snorkelear en las aguas azules cristalinas de Cozumel.🤿#cozumel #goexplora #snorkel pic.twitter.com/e0YELBd4dD— Explora Tours Mx (@ExploraCaribeMX) December 12, 2019
How to keep water out of your ears after snorkeling
After snorkeling it’s important to ensure your ears are dry. In case your earplug popped out mid-snorkeling or you forgot to wear them allowing water into your ears.
Use a towel or a clean dry cloth to pat dry any excess water. If you still feel that there is some water left, use ear drops to help dry the excess water in the ear canal, or use an ear dryer. These safe methods will dry any excess water and prevent ear infections o the swimmer’s ear.
Avoid using q-tips to dry any excess water in the ears as they pose various risks. Do not push any pointed objects either such as pen lids into the ear.
Parting words
Snorkeling is so much fun but can also cause some unforeseen circumstances such as developing ear infections in some people. If you are prone to these water-related ear infections, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying snorkeling.
As we’ve seen in this article, earplugs designed for use in water will allow you to keep on snorkeling. In addition, these earplugs are a great choice for those who hate the general feeling of water flowing into their ears.
Just like when picking a snorkeling or scuba diving mask, ensure the earplugs fit your ears well. A loose-fitting earplug is likely to fall off into the water while you snorkel.
