Swim plugs are custom made earpieces that can be worn when swimming or showering. They are made specifically to the shape of your ears and prevent water from entering them. For this reason, they are particularly useful for adults/children that have a perforated ear drum, a grommet fitted, suffer with ear infections or have a perforated ear drum, a grommet fitted, suffer with ear infections or have other middle ear problems.
Can I wear swim moulds and go diving?
Although they are waterproof, if the head is submerged deep into the water, it cannot be guaranteed to prevent all the water from entering the ear. In addition, as your ears are continuously growing and changing shape swim plugs will need replacing to ensure they provide a tight seal.
How are swim moulds made?
To make the swim plugs, the audiologist will need to take an impression of your ear. This involves placing a small sponge into your ear canal, and filling your ear with a putty-like material. After a few minutes it will have set and will be removed from your ear. This will then be sent to the manufacters for the swim plug to be made.
What should I do before my appointment?
Before impressions can be taken, both ears will need to be clear of wax/infections. Please contact your Gp prior to the appointment for removal of wax and/ treatment of infections.
How much do they cost?
Swim plugs can be purchased from the Audiology department at:
- £8 for a single swim plug
- £15 for a pair
What colour can I make them?
They can be made in the following colours:
- Red
- White
- Green
- Blue
- Yellow
How long does it take to make them?
They can take up to three weeks to be manufactured and you will be given a further appointment where you will be shown how to insert, remove and clean them.
To book an appointment for an impression to be taken for the swim plug, please contact the repairs line on the number below or use the alternative methods of arranging an appointment below:
- Phone: 0116 258 5120 (Choose option 1 - this line is open between 9:00am and 12:30pm, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
- Text: 07729188421
- Email: hearingservices@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Multiple locations are available for the appointment, please choose from the list below:
- Hearing Services Department, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW
- Loughborough General Hospital, Epinal Way, Entrance 2, Loughborough, LE11 5YJ
- Hinckley Hospital, Outpatient Department, Mount Street (entrance is on Hill Street), LE10 1AG
- Melton St. Mary's Hospital, Thorpe Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1SJ
- Syston Health Centre, Melton Road, Syston, LE7 2EQ
- Rutland Memorial Hospital, Cold Overton Road, Oakham, LE15 6NT
- Coalville Health Centre, Market Street, Coalville, LE67 3DX
- Braunstone Health and Social Care Centre, 39 Hockley Farm Road, Braunstone, LE3 1HN
- Two Steeples Medical Centre, 10 Abington Close, Station Road, Wigston, LE18 2EW
- St. Luke's Treatment Centre, 33 Leicester Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7BN
- Field Street Surgery, 18 Field Street, Shepshed, Leicestershire, LE12 9AL
- Wolvey Surgery, 7 The Square, Wolvey, Leicestershire, LE10 3LJ
