[hobey]

I'm having really bad luck this year with getting water in my ears while swimming that I think I'm going to break down and get a set of earplugs.<br><br>
For something so small, there sure is a heck of a selection out there. Do you have any favorites? What do you like about them? What don't you like about them?

 

[MBannon]

The "wax ball" ones are great for about a week, then they're worthless. I like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=kickrunners-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSpeedo-71387-009-Rubber-Ear-Plugs%2Fdp%2FB00070QEMQ" target="_blank">Speedos</a>, though they really need a strap so you don't lose them (they give you 3, but eventually you'll lose the spare). So I took a needle and made a small hole in each one and shoved a small elastic string through and tied a knot (actually, it's the strap from one of DS's plastic fire hats, shhhh don't tell).

 

[Tri_coach06]

I use Macks. I get them at the pharmacy in the ear plug section. They last about a week or so, but they do the job really well. Plus I don't feel bad if I lose them at a race.<br><br>
CS

 

[kimber45]

I went to a hearing aid specialist. He made molds, sent the molds away and they were returned as ear-plugs. I tried several other kinds without success. These personalized ones are great. But pricey. $80.00. If you can find some inexpensive ones that work for you that would be great. I wasn't that fortunate.

 

[Cashmason]

I use and like these alot. About 3 dollars.<br><br><a href="http://www.tri-zone.com/Details.html?cat=57&item=MEFEP" target="_blank">http://www.tri-zone.com/Details.html?cat=57&item=MEFEP</a>

 

[mmoonptdeux]

Those are the ones I use too - I had major water blockage issues and those have more than done the job and for a good price to boot

 

[hobey]

Awesome. Thanks guys...yet more stuff I need for this sport. *Sigh*

 

[TriAndStopMe]

I use the same ones as Joe and Cash. Two sets in each box. They do make a version with a strap, but I find it completely unnecessary. The flanges on these are softer than on Matt's Speedo ear plugs. The Speedos hurt my ears. The Macks make a great seal and, when swimming three to four times a week, one box will last me in the neighborhood of 4-6 months. Sometimes I can find them in a local drug store, but when I can't I mail order a few boxes to spread out the shipping costs and make sure I don't have to go looking again anytime soon.

 

[RandMart]

Yes, it is very gadget-ary, isn't it?

 

[neil donnelly]

DW often uses the wax ones - but not for swimming - apparently I snore at night - I dont beleive that - its just an excuse so SHe can claim she doesnt hear the kids shouting for breakfast in the mornings<br><br>
N

 

[NBjunkie]

ok--I just bought the wax ball ones----but they are HUGE--so I broke them in half (which is says NOT to do)--will they ok? doesnt seem like it would effect the function of them? will find out on Thursday....

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

Quick. Get OUT of the house now!!! The earplug police should be there any second!!!<br><br>
Seriously, don't do that. If you break them in half, the wax leaks out.

 

[NBjunkie]

really the wax will leak out--they are just wax balls..how does it leak out (complete ear plug newbie)---and if I can break them apart--HOW do I fit the whole thing in my ear--there is enough wax there to cover my entire ear, not just my canal...and I dont think I have particularly small ears?

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

<img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
Sorry. It's kinda like that tag on the mattress... You didn't rip that off, did you??

 

[Stitcher]

Oh CRAP.....<br>
YES, I did.<br>
And off my pillows too.<br><br>
Who'll chip in for bail money??

 

[NBjunkie]

OK--so you were kidding--and I am gullable (sp?)--so I wont die of some wax disease or sink while swimming cause I broke them, right? ----and no---I didnt tear the tag off my mattress--lol

 

[MBannon]

That's how they work. They don't go into the ear canal, they just cover the entire outer ear. Not sure they're going to be large enough to stay in place now that you cut them in half.<br><br>
No worries, though, 'cuz they suck after the 4th or 5th time you use them anyway. They lose their stickiness and start leaking. Also, once they're wet you can't take them out and put them back in - they have to be dry to stick. So if you swim with a partner you'll have to ask them to yell when they talk to you since you can't remove your earplugs until the end of the workout.<br><br>
That's my experience with them, YMMV.

 

[NBjunkie]

MBANNON--ooh good point---I just pulled them apart--so I can mush the 2 pieces back together no problem....good point about not being able to hear others and not sticking----I dont swim with a partner <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">, so that doesnt matter--and I hope they dont fall out--cause I wont be able to put them back in--but i have been swimming with out them for months, and only the last 2 weeks have experienced any discomfort--so I guess I would be ok if they fell out?---Today I just pulled my swim cap over my ears, and it helped a little.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

There's your plan... Put in the ear plugs (use the whole ones, like MB said, they're supposed to cover the canal, not fill it) and then pull swim cap over - that'll help keep them in place.<br><br>
My eldest son had several sets of ear tubes to help deal with ear infections when he was smaller. So he had to wear earplugs whenever he swam. They stayed in reasonably well - but you only got a few uses out of each pair because they lose their stickiness. Maybe with the cap, they'll stay in for a few more uses.

 

[RandMart]

All those years of , I never had any ...<br><br><i><whoops, let me rephrase></i><br><br>
I've never had any ear problems from surfing in cold NJ, DE, and MD water.<br><br>
The high-pitched whine of chronic tinnitus that I hear in a quiet room [it sounds much like the cabin a 757 in the middle of an oversees flight, when no one is talking], is from too much exposure to high dBs, from as close to the stage as I could get.<br><br><i><span style="font-size:xx-small;">I think AC/DC and their cannons finally blew 'em out.</span></i>