I recommend custom-fitted earplugs, often called swim molds, for children with ear vent tubes or eardrum perforations for two reasons: (1) to prevent waterborne ear infections, and (2) to protect the sensitive middle and inner ear mechanisms from sudden pressure changes.

When ear vent tubes are in place, the normally sterile middle ear is potentially exposed to bacteria and yeasts residing in the outer ear canal. Water entering the canal, can transport these germs down to the eardrum and through the vent tube lumen into the middle ear or mastoid cavity where an infection may begin. In addition, children swimming in pond, lake, ocean, or inadequately chlorinated pool water, may contract an infection if contaminated water flows through the vent tube.

Ear vent tubes eliminate an important pressure barrier between the outside world and the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear. The intact eardrum and its attached muscles form a buffer to prevent transmission of any sudden pressure changes to the sound transmitting ossicles and the membranes of the inner ear. When vent tubes are in place, a pressure change in the ear canal will directly affect the round and oval window membranes and through them the inner ear. This can occur if your child jumps or dives into the water and falls flat on the water’s surface. This is a particular risk for older children who waterski or windsurf.

Sites for swim mold fabrication

Connecticut Children's Medical Center Department of Audiology Offices in Farmington, at the hospital in Hartford, and in Glastonbury  860-284-0351  $116.00 a pair possible insurance coverage* Hearing Improvement Center 28 North Main Street West Hartford Center 919 Silas Deane Highway Wethersfield 860-561-2345 860-529-3443 $96.00 a pair offers 10% discount Hear Again Center 730 Hopmeadow Street Simsbury 1245 Farmington Avenue West Hartford 860-658-1922 860-521-1213 $100.00 a pair

* CCMC will submit to your insurance company, but your benefits may not include swim molds.  Please contact your insurance company directly to determine your benefit coverage.  Code V5264

PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
BEFORE VISITING ONE OF THESE SITES

-----Instamold-------Factory-finished

Instamolds are fabricated on-site the same day as your appointment and are useable immediately.
Factory-finished earmolds require creation of a mold on-site and then a 10-14 day wait for receipt of the final product.

Head Bands, made of neoprene, and available in a variety of colors, may be helpful to hold the swim molds in place for particularly active children. They are available for purchase at many of the facilities listed above or they may be ordered on the web at http://www.swimmersear.net/.

© 2010 Howard G. Smith MD