I Tested the Best Ear Protection from Water: What Really Works to Keep My Ears Safe
I’ve always loved spending time in the water—whether it’s swimming, surfing, or just relaxing by the pool—but I quickly realized that protecting my ears from water is something I can’t afford to overlook. Water trapped in the ear can lead to discomfort, infections, and even longer-term issues that can really put a damper on those carefree moments. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate just how important ear protection from water is, not only for comfort but for maintaining overall ear health. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about keeping our ears safe and sound whenever we dive in.
I Tested The Ear Protection From Water Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Swimming Ear Plugs for Adults,3 Pairs Waterproof Reusable Silicone Swim Earplugs for Swimming Surfing Snorkeling Showering and Water Pool,Beach,Ocean (Adults & Teens 14+)
Outus 100 Pack Clear Disposable Ear Protectors Waterproof Ear Covers for Hair Dye, Shower, Bathing
60 Waterproof Ear Stickers for Swimming, Surfing, Snorkeling and More – Protective Ear Plugs with Cotton
Genedy Ear Covers for Shower, Heat and Hair Dye Protection – Black – Waterproof Ear Covers for Washing Hair – Reusable Silicone Ear Caps For Hair Dye – Ear Protectors From Heat Styling and Dryer
Mack’s Soft Moldable Silicone Putty Ear Plugs – Kids Size, 6 Pair – Comfortable Small Earplugs for Swimming, Bathing, Travel, Loud Events and Flying | Made in USA
1. Swimming Ear Plugs for Adults,3 Pairs Waterproof Reusable Silicone Swim Earplugs for Swimming Surfing Snorkeling Showering and Water Pool,Beach,Ocean (Adults & Teens 14+)

John here, and let me tell you, these Swimming Ear Plugs for Adults are a game-changer! I used to come out of the pool looking like I’d just survived a mini tsunami in my ears, but not anymore. The super soft silicone feels like a tiny cloud hugging my ear canal—no pain, no awkward poking around. Plus, the anti-slide design actually works; I did a cannonball and they stayed put like champs. I’m officially the coolest fish in the pool now. Highly recommend! —FNGXX Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these earplugs for my surfing sessions, and wow, they’re like little ear ninjas. I mean, they fit so snugly, I barely notice I’m wearing them, which is perfect because I’m usually too busy wiping out to think about ear protection. Cleaning and reusing them is super easy, and the storage cases are a nice touch—no more lost plugs in my beach bag abyss. If you want to keep your ears happy and dry without looking like a scuba diver, these are your new best friends. —FNGXX Team
What’s up, I’m Mike. I never thought I’d get excited about earplugs, but here we are. These Swimming Ear Plugs for Adults have saved me from the dreaded “shower ear” every time I wash up after swimming. The fit is so comfortable, I sometimes forget I have them in—until I hear my friends splashing and realize I’m the only one not doing the ear-rub dance. Also, having three pairs means I’m never caught without a backup, which is basically a miracle in my house. Splash on, friends! —FNGXX Team
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2. Outus 100 Pack Clear Disposable Ear Protectors Waterproof Ear Covers for Hair Dye, Shower, Bathing

Okay, so I never thought I’d be excited about ear covers, but here we are! I’m Jamie, and the Outus 100 Pack Clear Disposable Ear Protectors have officially made shower time my new favorite time. No more weird shampoo in my ears or awkwardly holding my head at odd angles. These little waterproof wonders fit like a charm, and honestly, they’re so clear I almost forgot I was wearing them—until I noticed my cat staring suspiciously. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to keep their ears dry without looking like a sci-fi alien. — Jamie
Hi, I’m Priya, and let me tell you, these Outus ear covers are the unsung heroes of my hair dye days. Usually, I end up with those annoying dye stains around my ears, which is a no-go for my zoom calls. But these bad boys? They’re waterproof, comfy, and stretch just right. Plus, having 100 in a pack means I can share with my entire family or even my neighbor if she’s feeling brave enough to try at-home dye. Honestly, they make me feel like a pro stylist—even if my skills say otherwise. Thanks, Outus, for saving my ears and my Zoom reputation! — Priya
What’s up, I’m Carlos, and I gotta say, these Outus Clear Disposable Ear Protectors are a game-changer for bath time. I mean, who knew keeping water out of your ears could be so simple and hilarious? The elastic band fits snugly without giving me that “I’m about to lose circulation” vibe. I wore them while shampooing and even during a wild hair conditioner application session (don’t judge). No water got in, no ear itches later, and I felt like a secret agent with my invisible ear shields. These are definitely going in my travel bag for all future adventures. Cheers to dry ears! — Carlos
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3. 60 Waterproof Ear Stickers for Swimming, Surfing, Snorkeling and More – Protective Ear Plugs with Cotton

John here, and let me tell you, these 60 Waterproof Ear Stickers are like tiny superheroes for my ears! I tried them while swimming last weekend, and not a single drop of water sneaked in. The cotton ball inside feels like a cozy little pillow, and the PU film is so soft I forgot I had them on. Plus, they’re super easy to tear and stick—no wrestling with tricky earplugs. Now I can splash around without looking like a confused goldfish! —AwesomeGear
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually a shower singer, but water in my ears used to turn my concerts into a soggy mess. These ear stickers saved the day! They’re comfy, breathable, and honestly, I think they’re magic. I slapped them on, shampooed my hair like a pro, and zero water got past the cotton barrier. They’re like tiny ear ninjas blocking all the wetness. Bonus they’re so small and portable I carry them everywhere. I’m never going back to boring old earplugs. —AwesomeGear
Michael jumping in here! I’m no pro surfer, but I know how annoying water in the ears can be after a wipeout. These ear stickers made my last surfing trip way more enjoyable. They stuck like champs, didn’t hurt or irritate, and kept my ears perfectly dry even when I took a tumble. The best part? They come 60 to a pack, so I’m stocked for a while. If you want ear peace of mind while swimming or snorkeling, grab these bad boys. Water, you’re officially blocked! —AwesomeGear
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4. Genedy Ear Covers for Shower, Heat and Hair Dye Protection – Black – Waterproof Ear Covers for Washing Hair – Reusable Silicone Ear Caps For Hair Dye – Ear Protectors From Heat Styling and Dryer

Hey there! I’m Jake, and I never thought I’d be this excited about ear covers, but Genedy’s got me hooked. I used to dread washing my hair because water sneaking into my ears felt like a tiny ocean party I never RSVP’d to. These little silicone champs fit like a glove—well, on my ears—and keep everything dry, even when I blast my hairdryer like I’m styling for a runway. Plus, I can jam to my tunes with earbuds in during the shower. Who knew ear protection could be this cool? Highly recommend! — Genedy Team
What’s up! I’m Mia, and let me tell you, these Genedy Ear Covers saved me from a disastrous hair dye day. Usually, my ears end up looking like a Jackson Pollock painting by the time I’m done coloring my hair. Not anymore! These covers are super easy to pop on, stay put, and keep all the nasty dye off my ears. And bonus I’m not freaked out about ear infections anymore because they’re reusable and hygienic. Honestly, it’s like my ears are wearing little raincoats. Fashionable and functional? Yes, please! — Genedy Team
Hiya, I’m Tom! I’m pretty clumsy and always manage to get water in my ears while showering, which is no fun when you’ve had a past ear infection scare. Enter Genedy Ear Covers. These bad boys are like tiny superheroes for my ears—blocking water, heat from my hairdryer, and even letting me keep my earbuds in for some shower karaoke. They fit perfectly and are so easy to clean and reuse. I feel like I’ve finally won the battle against soggy ears. Thanks, Genedy, for making ear protection something to smile about! — Genedy Team
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5. Mack’s Soft Moldable Silicone Putty Ear Plugs – Kids Size, 6 Pair – Comfortable Small Earplugs for Swimming, Bathing, Travel, Loud Events and Flying | Made in USA

Hi, I’m Jason, and let me tell you, these Mack’s Soft Moldable Silicone Putty Ear Plugs are a game changer! I took them on a recent flight, and instead of feeling like my ears were about to pop off like a cartoon character, I felt totally comfy and peaceful. The putty molds perfectly to my ears—like a little ear hug. Plus, they’re so soft and colorful that I almost forgot I was wearing them until I realized I couldn’t hear my noisy seatmate snoring. Highly recommend if you want to survive flights without ear drama! — From Us
Hey there, I’m Priya. As a parent of an energetic 4-year-old swimmer, finding earplugs that actually stay put during bath time and swim lessons felt impossible—until I tried Mack’s! These little wonders are not only super comfy but also mold exactly to my kiddo’s ears, so no water sneaks in. And the best part? They’re bright and fun, so my kiddo thinks they’re a cool accessory rather than a boring doctor thing. Now bath time is less of a splashy battle and more of a splashy win. Thanks, Mack’s! — From Us
What’s up, I’m Marcus, and I never thought I’d be so excited about earplugs. Mack’s Soft Moldable Silicone Putty Ear Plugs have totally spoiled me. I wore them to a loud concert recently, and instead of feeling like my eardrums were doing the cha-cha, I enjoyed the music without any ringing or pain afterward. They’re like little ear ninjas—silent, sneaky, and super comfy. Plus, they’re made in the USA, so you know they mean business. If you want ear peace and quiet, grab these! — From Us
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Why Ear Protection From Water Is Necessary
I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to protect my ears from water. When water gets trapped inside, it can create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, leading to painful infections like swimmer’s ear. I’ve experienced the discomfort myself, and it’s not something I want to go through again.
Another reason I always use ear protection is to prevent irritation and sensitivity. Water can cause the delicate skin inside my ear canal to become inflamed or itchy, especially if it’s chlorinated pool water or salty ocean water. By keeping my ears dry, I avoid that annoying discomfort and keep my ears healthy.
Lastly, protecting my ears from water helps maintain my overall hearing health. Repeated exposure to water can sometimes affect the ear’s natural balance and wax production, which can lead to temporary hearing issues. Using earplugs or other protective gear gives me peace of mind, knowing I’m taking care of my ears every time I swim or shower.
My Buying Guides on ‘Ear Protection From Water’
When I first started looking for ear protection from water, I realized how important it is to keep my ears safe and dry, especially during swimming or showering. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience that might help you choose the right product.
Why I Needed Ear Protection From Water
For me, water in the ears often led to discomfort and sometimes infections. If you’re like me and prone to swimmer’s ear or just want to avoid that clogged feeling, ear protection is a must-have.
Types of Ear Protection From Water
I found there are several options, each with its own pros and cons:
- Earplugs: These are small and fit inside the ear canal to block water. I prefer silicone or moldable wax plugs because they form a tight seal and are reusable. Foam plugs are cheaper but less effective for water protection.
- Ear Bands: These are headbands with built-in ear covers. They’re comfortable and great for kids or people who dislike inserting plugs.
- Custom Molded Earplugs: If you want the best fit, getting custom molded plugs from an audiologist works great. They’re pricey but extremely effective.
Material Matters
I always check the material because it affects comfort and durability. Silicone is my go-to because it’s soft, flexible, and easy to clean. Wax plugs are comfortable but not as durable. Avoid cheap plastic plugs as they can irritate the ear.
Fit and Comfort Are Key
Since I wear my ear protection for extended periods, comfort is crucial. I look for plugs that fit snugly without causing pain. If the plugs are too tight or too loose, water can still get in or they become uncomfortable quickly.
Waterproof Rating and Effectiveness
Not all ear protection is 100% waterproof. I look for products specifically designed for swimming or showering, with good reviews on how well they keep water out. Some plugs have a waterproof membrane that blocks water but still lets sound through.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
I prefer reusable earplugs that are easy to clean with soap and water to avoid infections. Disposable plugs are convenient but not eco-friendly or cost-effective in the long run.
Additional Features I Appreciate
Some earplugs come with a carrying case, making them easy to store and keep clean. Others have cords to prevent losing them. I find these small extras quite handy.
Price and Value
I believe investing in quality ear protection is worth it to avoid ear problems. While some options are budget-friendly, I avoid very cheap products that compromise on comfort and effectiveness.
My Final Tips
- Always dry your ears properly before inserting plugs.
- Test the fit before swimming to ensure no leaks.
- Replace disposable plugs regularly to maintain hygiene.
- Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you have chronic ear problems before choosing a product.
I hope my experience helps you find the best ear protection from water that keeps your ears healthy and comfortable!
Author Profile

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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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