Swimming and Hearing: Does Swimming Cause Hearing Loss?

Question

Hello, George W.

I swim regularly as a way of keeping fit, without using any protection on my ears

I was wondering if swimming (without using any protection in the ears) can cause deafness

Thanks

Sincerely,

Jay K.  

Answer
No, swimming won't cause deafness.  If you are going to swim in a fairly shallow environment, there isn't sufficient pressure on your ears to cause damage and swimmers ear doesn't affect the eardrum.  The one time that ear plugs are bad is if you are going into deep water.  The pressure at depth can be enough to force the ear plug through your eardrum.
Unless water in your ear drives you absolutely crazy, there is no reason to use them.
Hope this helps,
George