Getting water stuck in your ears after a morning lap session is the worst. I have spent years shaking my head like a dog trying to get that annoying sloshing sound out, only to end up with a headache. Recently, I decided to grab a pair of these silicone Swim Ear Plugs Silicone Waterproof Anti-noise Pool Accessories Swimming Earplugs Water Sports Swim Swimming Ear Plugs from AliExpress to see if they actually worked.
What are these swim ear plugs?
These are basic, soft silicone plugs designed to create a seal in your ear canal so water stays out while you swim. They are not fancy tech devices, just simple molded silicone bits meant to make your time in the pool more comfortable. Most sellers on the site offer them at a very low price, and I even managed to find a listing with free shipping.
How they perform in the pool
The first thing I noticed is how soft the material feels against the skin. Hard plastic plugs often start to hurt after twenty minutes, but these stayed comfortable for a full hour of laps. Because they are flexible, they seem to mold to the shape of my ear pretty well.
I tested them in both a standard gym pool and a lake during a weekend trip. The seal is tight enough to block out the water, which is a relief if you are prone to ear infections. They also help dampen the loud echoing sounds of a crowded indoor pool, which makes the whole swimming experience much more relaxing.
Honest pros and cons
Buying gear from overseas always comes with a mix of good and bad experiences. Here is what I found after using them for a month.
- Pros
- They cost very little compared to name-brand sports store versions.
- The silicone is soft and does not irritate the ear.
- They come with a small plastic case, so they do not get lost in your bag.
- You can usually find a deal that includes free shipping.
- Cons
- The shipping time can take three to four weeks if you are not in a major city.
- These are one-size-fits-all, so they might not seal perfectly if you have very small or very large ears.
- There is no local customer support if you receive a pair that is defective.
- They are easy to drop and lose in a dark locker room floor.
Who should use these plugs?
If you are a casual swimmer who hits the pool once or twice a week, these are a great budget-friendly pick. They do the job without costing as much as a fancy dinner. People who suffer from "swimmer's ear" should definitely keep a pair in their kit to avoid those painful infections.
However, if you are a professional athlete training for competitions, you might want something custom-molded. These are great for general use, but they can occasionally pop out during a hard flip turn if you do not push them in just right. Anyone who needs a perfect, guaranteed seal for intense diving probably needs a more expensive, professional-grade product.
What other swimmers say
I checked in with a few others who grabbed these same plugs to see if my experience was unique. One regular pool-goer mentioned that he loves them for keeping the pool chemicals out, though he did lose one in the drain after a few months. Another user said the silicone was a bit flimsy, but for the price he paid, he did not really mind having to replace them occasionally.
My final verdict
Is this Swim Ear Plugs Silicone Waterproof Anti-noise Pool Accessories Swimming Earplugs Water Sports Swim Swimming Ear Plugs review worth your time? If you want an inexpensive way to keep water out of your ears, then yes. Do not expect them to last forever, and keep in mind that shipping from AliExpress takes patience.
For a few bucks, they have saved me from the headache of trapped water. Just remember to rinse them with fresh water after every swim so they stay clean and last as long as possible. They are a simple, solid buy for anyone who just wants to enjoy their swim without the mess.
