Help re ear problems and swimming??

[Jackjack]

Sorry rubbish title but DS2 has a perforated ear drum this happened when he was 18mths and has never healed. He's now 5 and i'd like him to have swimming lessons, we go swimming as a family he's quite happy to float around with arm bands, wears ear plugs and a head band. I'm worried that with lessons he'l have to put his head under the water and it'll get into his ear. Anyone else had this problem??
Thanks Jack

If he has ear plugs then water won't get into his ear.

I got a lot of ear infections as a child and my mum bought me some special ear plugs to stop water going in my ears whilst swimming to try and help. It's a long time ago now but they must still sell them?

He does wear ear plugs,I guess I'm just worried that if he's putting his head right under the water it may get in! Perhaps we should just go for it!! :)
Thanks for replies
Jack

I had a perforated eardrum as a kid and eventually had a skin graft to cover it. I wore the silicone earplugs that mould really well into your ear - they can make it a bit more difficult to hear but are the best barrier to the water. Is that what he wears?

Swimming was a bit fraught - was very nervous of putting my head right under - but slowly I got over that fear, and I never had any real problems.

DD had constant perforated eardrums when she was little.

We used the moulded ear plugs for everything, baths, hairwashing, swimming. They never let water in, even when her head was right under. She loved the water, so it was great that she could wear these.

Thanks for your replies, I've decided to sign him up for lessons after xmas and use the silicone plugs!
Jack x