July 14, 2025, 12:40 p.m.
It’s summertime, which means your kids’ social lives will likely revolve around a body of water. Maithilee Menezes, MD, offers some suggestions for protecting your kids’ ears.
- A common question is whether children need earplugs. For children who have ear tubes, or a small hole in their eardrums, earplugs are not needed in the bathtub, swimming pool, or ocean.
- If you plan on swimming in a lake, pond, or river, where there might be higher levels of bacteria, over-the-counter earplugs are recommended.
- Molded ear plugs offer a better fit, as do fabric fasteners that wrap around the head and keep the earplugs in place.
- Swimmer's ear is an infection between the external ear and the eardrum. Wearing earplugs can help prevent your child from experiencing swimmer's ear.
- Home remedies, such as placing a small drop of rubbing alcohol and vinegar into the ear, may offer relief. However, if the ear is already irritated, or there is a hole in the eardrum, it will not feel good. If you do have concerns about your child’s ear, call your pediatrician.
If your child has an ear condition, our Washington University Children’s After Hours locations provide convenient medical care for your child’s illnesses and injuries as a faster alternative to the Emergency Department when your pediatrician’s office is closed. In most cases, children can be seen here or in a BJC Medical Group Convenient Care, rather than in the Emergency Department.
