The suitcases are ready, the sunscreen is already in the bag and the flip-flops have been dusted off: it’s summer vacation! Whether you’re going camping in France, have booked a resort by the sea or are just biking to the local outdoor pool – there’s one thing you must not forget. That’s right: your swimming caps.
Because as wonderful as vacationing and swimming are, your ears sometimes think otherwise. Especially children, but also adults, can suffer from water in the ear, ear infections or even permanent hearing damage. In this blog we explain why swimming plugs are important, what to look out for and what options are available.
Why are swim caps so important?
Water and ears: it’s a complicated relationship. A dip in the pool can be invigorating, but it can also pose a risk to your ear canal. Chloride in swimming pools, dirty water in lakes or the sea, temperature fluctuations, and prolonged moisture in the ear can lead to irritation and inflammation, such as the infamous swimmer’s ear.
In children, the ear canal is still narrow and sensitive. If they have had frequent ear infections or tubes, protection is especially important. But adults who are prone to ear problems also do well to protect their ears – especially if they go into the water every day, such as during water sports, showers or vacations in and at the beach or swimming pool.
Custom swim caps: the best protection
The most comfortable and effective way to protect your ears? Custom-made swim plugs. These are specially made based on an impression of your ear, so they seal perfectly. You hardly feel them, they stay firmly in place and they are guaranteed to keep water out.
Our custom-made swim caps:
- Are available in 10 colors (you can even choose multiple colors per ear)
- Can be decorated with glitter or fun pictures (there are thousands of options!)
- Are so comfortable you often forget about them
- Are suitable for children and adults
- Are durable and long lasting
An added advantage: they are useful not only for swimming, but also for showering, surfing, sailing and other water sports.
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Custom swim caps€35,00
Swim cap walk-in: just walk in
Still unsure if custom swim caps are right for you or your child? Then please contact us or drop by during our swimplug walk-in! You can walk in – without an appointment – for an impression of your ears and advice from our specialists.
Our swim cap walk-in is:
- Every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Every Saturday all day
Our specialists will then be on hand to take prints, explain the process and show you all the color options and embellishments. Within a few days, you’ll have your personalized swim caps in your home – well in time for your vacation!
Temporary alternative: universal swim caps and swim headbands
Want to take something right away or need last-minute protection? Then universal swim caps and swimming headbands are a good temporary alternative.
Universal swim caps are silicone plugs that fit any ear. They seal reasonably well, but are not as comfortable or waterproof as custom-made caps. For children, they are fine for occasional use.
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Elacin Swim€17,99 -
Crescendo Swim Surf€29,99 -
Pluggerz Water€15,95 -
Sanohra Water Adult Earplugs€16,99
Swim headbands (made of neoprene, for example) hold the universal swim caps in place better. Also useful for children who move around a lot in the water. But for long-term or daily use, we still really recommend custom-made caps.
Protect also when showering and on vacation
It may sound like an exaggeration, but even when showering, water can easily get stuck in the ear. Especially in children who have had tubes or adults with sensitive ear canals. So showering with swim caps is not a bad idea at all.
And on vacation? There it is often even more important. Water is often warmer, there are more bacteria and you swim more often than at home. Ear problems on vacation are not only annoying, they can also throw a spanner in the works. With swimming plugs you can avoid that hassle.
Swimming caps are not a luxury
We often hear, “My child doesn’t like it” or “It seems excessive.” But anyone who has ever experienced an ear infection on vacation knows how painful and annoying it is. Not being able to swim, poor sleep, crying children, doctor visits abroad … it can all be prevented with something as simple as a well-fitting swim cap.
And did you know that custom-made swim caps can often be used for years? Children can keep wearing them as long as the ears don’t grow too much. And in adults, they often fit perfectly for years.
Finally, think about your ears as well as your skin
We grease ourselves en masse with sunscreen and wear hats against the sun. But our ears? We sometimes forget about them. While they are just as vulnerable. So give your ears the protection they deserve, especially if they are sensitive to water.
Swim caps are small, convenient to carry and make a world of difference. They make sure you can get into the water without worry – whether you’re swimming laps, taking a swim or playing with your kids in the wading pool.
Ready for departure? Bring swim caps!
Whether you’re taking a weekend trip to Zeeland, lounging on a beach bed in Spain or heading to the pool every day with your kids: take a moment to think about your ears. Swim caps may be small, but they can make your vacation more grand.
Stop by our drop-in hours, choose your favorite color and/or glitter, and enjoy a worry-free summer with dry ears.
Happy vacations!
