Can anyone recommend swimming earplugs for DD with grommets?

[Whatapickle78]

Morning!
DD is 5 and has just had grommets put in.
The consultant mentioned (making?) plugs and a headband for swimming when she goes back in a few weeks.

Anyone have experience of this? Is there somewhere you can buy Pre-made ones or do we actually need to make it?

ENT made ones for ds, have you asked?

@Witchend oh I didn’t realise they could do that. I will ask, thank you

We used silicone ones, Mack's was the brand. You can also buy headbands for swimming to keep them in. We then put a rubber swimming hat over the top to keep it all in place. Looked a bit silly but had to be done!

We used those mouldable plastic ones for ds, and his swimming cap pulled down over his ears to keep them in. I think we just got them from boots.

We brought a headband, I’m really reluctant to poke anything in ears with grommets.

Silicone. Or cotton wool with Vaseline, with a hat or band over top. We used a hat/band over silicone ear plugs too.

I would really recommend what pp said about getting ENT to make a properly moulded pair. We tried every earplug and headband going and they would fall out in the middle of swimming lessons when I couldn't put them back in for her, we ended up giving the lessons up, she would get an ear infection most times. ENT didn't mention they could make them until we said what a problem we'd had so don't wait for them to ask you. The moulded ones they made for her are absolutely perfect and she's been able to swim and wash her hair without any problems since.

How do they fall out with a band over them?

The band slips off very easily, my DD was constantly re-adjusting it then after a few jumps in and splashing about we'd discover silicone mashed into her hair or spot it shining orange at the bottom of the pool. It seems like a non-problem but it's made life really difficult for us as she loves swimming. She has a slightly different ear drum problem (not grommets) so we've had 6-years of the ear drum/swimming problem and believe me it's been such a relief to get the ENT ones and no longer have to dread her getting an infection after every swim trip.

Sorry I didn't mean to sound dismissive, it's very much a problem, the reason I ask is my DS's band was so tight it made him look like one of the Hills Have Eyes characters, it was a Zogg one and very much stayed in place. BUT he was only in stage 1 at the time, so I expect that's a factor as obviously the swimming isn't very vigorous and limited jumping etc!

I agree about moldable silicone ones.

If you wear a cap with ear pockets, I find they don’t fall out.

You can always double up on the caps too (like many competitive swimmers) so nothing goes anywhere.

Thanks everyone for your advice! We are going to ask ENT to make her some, as she is REALLY active and enthusiastic in the swimming pool and I’m quite worried about any leakage. If they say they can’t do it, we will try the zogg headband and silicone plugs.

Thanks again xx

We used ear band-it bands with putty buddy ear plugs. Had no problem with them staying in. Got them on amazon.

I dont think ENT provide them here, but even if they normally do you may struggle with getting an appointment. We have 2 DC on ENT waiting lists, one for a year and one for about 9 months. Appointments have been suspended. Buying them might be a quicker solution.

Thanks @Makedo she has an appointment with consultant in 2 weeks time (more problems besides grommets sadly) so I’m
hoping to ask for some to be made then now. At the last appointment a different consultant told us to just search online for some, but I think based on what others have said, it’s worth asking! Thanks again everyone