Efficacy of Commercial Earplugs in Preventing Water Exposure

Abstract

Objective: 1) To evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercially available earplugs in preventing water intrusion in healthy individuals. 2) To be able to provide an evidence-based recommendation for use of ear plugs in patients with tympanostomy tubes to prevent otorrhea.

Method: Nine ear plugs were inserted in random order in ears of 10 healthy subjects. Three standardized head wetting protocols were instructed: surface swimming, upright head submersion to apply horizontal pressure, and 90 degrees tilted head submersion to apply vertical pressure. Color change in moisture indicator was evaluated after each protocol.

Results: Water penetration was observed in 44%, 67%, and 88% of ears after surface swimming, horizontal submersion, ad vertical submersion, respectively. The results showed a significant difference in the waterproofing qualities of the various types of earplugs. Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs had the lowest rate of water penetration in all 3 protocols (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the 2 waterproof earplugs Pillow Soft and Aquaseal, during surface swimming and vertical submersion protocols. However, Pillow Soft was significantly more effective comparing to Aquaseal with horizontal submersion protocol (P = .008).

Conclusion: Commercially available ear plugs are not as protective against water intrusion as generally expected. Water exposure is recommended to be limited in patients with tympanostomy tubes. Pillow Soft was the most effective method of ear sealant compared to other commercially available earplugs.