I kind of fell of the swimming wagon back in February because every time I swam I felt rotten. I had bad headaches and ear pain I went back yesterday because I miss it entirely too much. Yesterday I felt rotten. A decongestant and motrin helped. Today I used the moldable silicone earplugs and things were better but I needed to adjust them a few times and still got some water. Does anyone have a suggestion for good earplugs?
I use Mack's silicone earplugs. They start working better once you've used them a few times, and you do need to adjustment them from time to time but they work well for me. But I just hate having water in my ears--if water gets in my ear because the earplug isn't completely sealing the opening it's no big deal. I just shake the water out and adjust the earplug...
You can have your doctor make you some that are molded to the inside of your ear, perhaps you'll see a specialist. I remember growing up there was a guy that trained on our team, and he used those ear plugs because he would get severe ear infections. It's good he had those ear plugs, because he went on to break some scm WR's in backstroke.
I kind of fell of the swimming wagon back in February because every time I swam I felt rotten. I had bad headaches and ear pain I went back yesterday because I miss it entirely too much. Yesterday I felt rotten. A decongestant and motrin helped. Today I used the moldable silicone earplugs and things were better but I needed to adjust them a few times and still got some water. Does anyone have a suggestion for good earplugs?
You can have your doctor make you some that are molded to the inside of your ear, perhaps you'll see a specialist. I remember growing up there was a guy that trained on our team, and he used those ear plugs because he would get severe ear infections. It's good he had those ear plugs, because he went on to break some scm WR's in backstroke.
Thanks for the idea. If things get any worse, I'll make an appointment to get the molded plugs. Thinking back my son had those when he was little and had ear tubes.
Maybe someone here can answer a question for me. I have never had any kind of problem with having water in my ears (and have been a swimmer for over 30 years). My youngest son (who does have tubes) seems to be very bothered by getting water in his ears. Those of you who who have problems with this--what exactly is the feeling that is bothersome? I think I've (perhaps wrongly) assumed he's just not used to the feeling. I've been thinking that it can't possibly hurt and that he'll get over it. Am I totally wrong?
BTW, my ENT doesn't believe in using plugs (for the tubes) unless diving deep in the water or swimming in un-chlorinated water so I've not tried using them. My youngest is only 3 and I don't think he'd like the plugs either...
When I was young, I got ear infections from water in my ear (probably because I was too young/stupid to take measures to get the water OUT of my ears after practice (with ear drops)). Therefore I wore ear plugs. After that I just got used to them, and I don't like the feeling of the water coming in and out of my ears while swimming. It's a comfort thing for me and, like your son, I'm just not used to feeling the water in my ear. I don't wear earplugs for races.
Maybe someone here can answer a question for me. I have never had any kind of problem with having water in my ears (and have been a swimmer for over 30 years). My youngest son (who does have tubes) seems to be very bothered by getting water in his ears. Those of you who who have problems with this--what exactly is the feeling that is bothersome? I think I've (perhaps wrongly) assumed he's just not used to the feeling. I've been thinking that it can't possibly hurt and that he'll get over it. Am I totally wrong?
BTW, my ENT doesn't believe in using plugs (for the tubes) unless diving deep in the water or swimming in un-chlorinated water so I've not tried using them. My youngest is only 3 and I don't think he'd like the plugs either...
