Earplugs for Ear Tubes

We were also told pools were ok. Lakes and bath water was not. Bath water because of the soap, it acts as a lubricate and can cause more water to enter the ear. Our ENT sold Docs Proplugs. They worked great. I see a lot of kids wearing the Ear Band-It (we never tried it)

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I am about to take my 2 1/2 year old to an ENT's office to have him fitted for ear plugs so we can do swimming lessons. It is weird though how you will get different answers. I know the doctor that did his ear tubes said we only needed to use ear plugs if we were going to be in dirty water or skimming the bottom of the pool. However, I noticed my son seemed to hate having his hair washed (still does to this day) so I took him to another ENT for a second opinion. This ENT told me that for him to go swimming he had to have ear plugs and he didn't believe the other doctor told me otherwise. My son also has issues when it is windy outside--he will cover his ears and says he doesn't like the wind. I think too much wind gets in his ears and makes him uncomfortable. Call some ENT offices and see if they do the custom ear plugs. For my son, insurance doesn't cover them so they will be $60-$70.

Update: We went to the ENT today and was told it would be best not to get the custom ones right now since he may have a growth spurt and in 3 months they may not fit any way and he isn't going to be submerged in water. So we ended up buying some nice fitted ones for $15. If you are interested the website is www.proplugs.com

I did not read yoor answers so if I repeat I am sorry, but we buy silicone wax ones at walmart-u can also find them at Walgreens-sorry did not see where u r from so I do not know what stores u have. They are awesome they are kids size and orange in color-they come in a pack of 8 or 10 we use them for awhile-they last us quite a few swim times possibly up to 2 or more weeks . Hope this helps. L.

Hey K.,
My daughter had her tubes placed in Feb. 09 and we started with the silicone ear plugs but, like your daughter, she pulled them out or tugged on her ears. Now, I don't use plugs. It was such a battle that we were both frustrated and it just made things worse. I am really careful when I rinse her hair to cup one hand over her ear to deflect any water from getting in there and when we go swimming I make sure that her head doesn't go under--she's 2 now but last summer she wasn't jumping in or anything so it was easy to keep her above water.
Our ENT just said that as long as we can keep things dry and looking good, not to force the issue but if anything changed then we'd have to figure out how to make plugs work.
I hope this was helpful. Good Luck!
E. S.
Helping Moms Work from Home
http://www.keepingmyfamilyfirst.com

Our 2 year-old daughter had tubes for the second time last week. The ENT said we only needed plugs if we were planning on going into lake water.

We've not needed to use plugs in the bath or the pool over the summer. She was clear of ear infections from last Feb (2009) until this past January when both of the tubes dislodged and caused fluid to build-up (not from being in the bath).

Depending on how long it's been since the surgery, I'd really suggest calling the ENT to verify. We have been told both times (by the same ENT with many years of experience) that baths, pools and ocean water are OK - lake water is the concern because it's the only one not naturally able to prevent the growth of most bacteria that cause the infections.

Go to a Gun Dealer, I know this sounds weird, but they have the best ear plugs. Its something that they need for the shooters' out there and they have to work. This I learned after my husband got into tactical shooting a few yrs. back. Go to the Dealer and look for a pair of orange ones'. They have a line that attaches them together, What you do is wet your thumb and forefinger, so that you get a suction going. You won't know it until you put them in your ears. Wind them and put in the ear, you will hear them expanding if you do it right and they are fanastic. Orange is not the only color. If you haven't wet them enough, take them back out, wet your two fingers, again wind around plugs, and insert again all the way. Sometimes it takes time but you will get the hang of it. You won't believe how well they work.
I wish you the best of luck and I'm positive that you will be swimming with your daughter this summer no problem!! Your daughter will be delighted and so will you!! Guaranteed.