How to use the Ear Band-It Ear plug Headband System for Swimmers

The Ear Band It Swimming Headband is an easily removable sculpted neoprene headband with a Velcro closure that comes in a variety of colors, specifically designed to keep ears stationary while swimming and at play in the pool. Keeping the ears stationary, particularly keeping the ear lobes from being jostled during roughhousing, removal and adjustment of swim goggles and swim gear, is essential for maintaining the placement of many kinds of ear plugs, especially silicon based ear plugs for swimming and the Putty Buddies ear-plugs for which the Ear Band It was originally created. Indeed, removing the Putty Buddies requires wiggling the ear around to loosen the seal originally made when the ear plug was inserted.

The Ear Band It was originally created by an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doctor) for the use of children with ear tubes who require water-tight protection while swimming and bathing, lest bacteria enter their inner ear. This particular brand of ear protection for swimmers can work well with any ear plugs designed for swimming - no matter the design, they are benefited from the stabilization that the headband offers, and the basic fact that the band itself does not only keep the ear almost entirely immobilized, but it also gently covers the ear, blocking the ear plug from falling out, getting lost, or becoming a choking hazard in the pool for little ones (a particular concern considering the fact that the Putty Buddies, for which the headband was designed, are the only such ear plugs that can actually float in water).

The headband comes in a variety of colors (royal blue, red, purple, teal and magenta) and three sizes, one good for infants, one for small children, and one for adults, and children over ten years of age. The headband looks like a slimmer version of the fashionable fleece outer garment frequently seen on ski and snowboarding slopes, but this summertime version uses the same material that wet suits are made of, neoprene, and in this case at the thickness of 3 mil. Because neoprene is a reasonably forgiving material, if the largest size is not quite large enough, with a little working the neoprene can be stretched until the fit is comfortable.

Otitis Externa or more commonly know as 'Swimmers Ear' is redness and swelling of the skin of the ear canal. It is usually extremely itchy (especially in the early stages) and can become very sore and painful. In extreme cases, hearing can be effected so prevention is the best measure.

Diabetes sufferers are extremely prone to swimmers ear so its worth taking preventative measures. Also, anyone who just wants to have their ears free and clear of water, suffers from ear drum perforations, chronic ear infections, would be well to add this product to their bag of swimwear.

Its use is ideal for swimming and water recreation that is casual enough to not require a swim cap. It is soft, comfortable to wear and perfect for children; while adults may (or may not!) remember to refrain from touching their ears for fear of dislodging their ear plugs, and may (or may not) remember to be careful when putting on and taking off goggles, masks, and snorkels, children are very unlikely to be so mindful. The entire purpose of ear plugs is defeated if they actually come out in the water, after all.

The headband itself is not waterproof and should not be used alone with the expectation of keeping water from the ears. The headband will last, with heavy usage, for two years, but most are reportedly replaced due to fading from the sun and not structural failure of the headband. Diving is not recommended while using the Ear Band It, as hitting the water with such an intense force can dislodge the headband and possibly dislodge the ear plugs it is meant to hold in. The headband does float, however most ear plugs for swimming do not.