Scuba Diving Ear Plugs: Safety Considerations

Taking care of your ears while diving is important, but earplugs aren’t the solution. In fact, using them can cause more problems than they solve.

I’m not going to tell you why.
Not yet.

But if you’re worried about equalizing pressure or keeping your ears healthy, the good news is you don’t need any weird gadgets.
Equalizing is natural and simple when done correctly.

And as for infections…
You know saltwater isn’t usually the culprit.

With a few basic habits, your ears will be just fine.

So, by the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to protect them like a true diving pro—no earplugs needed.

Interested?
Keep reading.

1. Ear Plugs for Diving: Are They a Good Idea?

If you think scuba diving ear plugs are the ultimate solution for your ears, I’ve got news for you.

Diving experts and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) strongly advise against using earplugs for scuba diving.

At first glance, scuba ear plugs might seem like a great idea:

• They keep water out of your ears.
• They protect against infections.
• And if you’ve ever had ear trouble after diving, you’ve probably considered trying them.

But here’s the problem…

Trapped air in your ear canal cannot equalize with water pressure.

And what happens when you can’t equalize?
Exactly: you might feel discomfort or even get injured.

Some manufacturers have tried to solve this by designing pressure equalizing ear plugs that allow air to pass through while blocking water.

Sounds great, right?
The reality… not so much.

DAN advises against their use due to insufficient safety data.

Pick the wrong diving ear plug, and you could end up with more problems than you thought you had to avoid.

And the worst part?
Most divers don’t realize the risks until it’s too late.

So, What’s the Alternative?

Are there ear plugs for scuba divers that actually work?
Or is it better to forget about them entirely?

Stay calm.

We’re about to answer all your questions.
And just a heads-up—what you’re about to learn could save you from serious trouble underwater.

2. Why Are Earplugs Dangerous for Scuba Diving?

At first glance, scuba diving ear plugs might seem like a great idea. After all, keeping water out of your ears should help prevent infections and discomfort, right?

Well, the problem isn’t the water—it’s the trapped air.

When you dive, pressure increases with depth. Your body is designed to adjust: your ears, sinuses, and mask all need to equalize. But if you insert an earplug for scuba diving, you’re creating an air trap. The air between your eardrum and the earplug gets stuck, unable to escape or equalize.

The Result?

• Pain that intensifies as you descend
• Risk of barotrauma (think of your eardrum being squeezed like a balloon)
• Possible eardrum rupture if the pressure difference becomes too extreme

And if that’s not enough to make you rethink using earplugs for scuba diving, there’s more.

Earplugs Can Move… or Even Get Sucked into Your Ear

Yes, you read that right.

Pressure changes can cause an earplug to shift deeper into your ear canal, becoming stuck. Worse, when you ascend, the sudden pressure change can create a vacuum effect, sealing the earplug against your eardrum like a suction cup.

The Solution?

A painful trip to the doctor to have it removed. Sounds fun, right?

But wait—haven’t you heard that there are specialized scuba diving ear plugs? Let’s take a closer look.

3. Are “Scuba Diving Ear Plugs” a Good Option?

There are earplugs for divers on the market claiming to be safe for underwater use. Some even sound promising:

✔ They block water but allow air to pass through.
✔ They have pressure equalizing valves.
✔ Some are even “recommended by divers”.

But here’s the catch…

The Divers Alert Network (DAN)—one of the most trusted sources in dive safety—does NOT recommend using them.

Why Not?

Even these so-called scuba diving ear plugs can fail to equalize pressure properly, shift position, or work inconsistently at different depths.

In short, they still pose risks.

Plus, using them can create a false sense of security, leading divers to neglect proper equalization techniques.

If even the experts say to avoid them, it might be a good idea to listen, right?

But if scuba dive ear plugs aren’t the answer, how can you protect your ears while diving?

Take a deep breath, because up next, we’ll cover exactly what you need to do to keep your ears safe underwater.

4. Alternatives to Scuba Diving Ear Plugs

We’ve established that scuba diving with ear plugs is a big NO. But that doesn’t mean you have to let water mess with your ears.

There are safer, more effective ways to reduce discomfort and prevent infections without risking pressure-related injuries.

1. Wear a Neoprene Hood

Not only do neoprene hoods keep you warm, but they also help limit how much water enters your ears.

They’re not foolproof, but they create a protective barrier that prevents continuous water flow in and out of your ear canal.

Hate the feeling of a hood? Try a thin neoprene cap—just enough coverage to protect your ears without feeling restricted.

2. Get Water Out of Your Ears Post-Dive

Sometimes, the problem isn’t water getting in—it’s water staying in your ears.

Quick fixes:
✔ Tilt your head to the side and jump (yes, it looks silly, but it works).
✔ Pull your earlobe and move your jaw to help release trapped water.
✔ Use the vacuum trick: place your palm over your ear, press lightly, and then release quickly.

3. Use Drying Drops to Keep Your Ears Safe

A couple of drops of drying solution after a dive can prevent infections.

The go-to homemade mix:
👉 50% rubbing alcohol + 50% white vinegar

The alcohol dries out moisture, while the vinegar restores pH balance to fight off bacteria.

Don’t want to DIY? Grab boric alcohol drops or a professional drying solution from a dive shop or pharmacy.

5. What If You Get Frequent Ear Infections?

If ear infections from ear plugs or trapped water are common for you, it’s time to take things more seriously.

Pro tips for divers prone to ear infections:

• Never dive with inflamed ears. If you already feel discomfort before a dive, you’re just making things worse.

🚫 Avoid diving if you have:
✔ Persistent ear pain
✔ Unusual ear discharge
✔ A constant clogged sensation

Give your ears a break and see a specialist before diving again.

• Stay away from contaminated water. Low visibility and strange smells? You’re probably swimming in a bacteria-filled soup.
• Keep your gear clean. Neoprene hoods and caps can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for fungi.

Consult an ENT Specialist Before Using Any Ear Protection

If you are one of the few more prone to ear infections from diving, don’t gamble with home remedies. A specialist can recommend the safest way to protect your ears in water without compromising your safety.

At the end of the day, the goal is simple:
Healthy ears
Good dives
Zero pain

Now that you know all this…
Remember those scuba diving ear plugs?

Forget them.

6. Are Earplugs Safe for Snorkeling?

If you’re into snorkeling rather than scuba diving, your risk level changes completely. The danger is much lower, and here’s why.

Unlike scuba diving with ear plugs, snorkeling doesn’t expose your ears to extreme pressure changes (presuming you don´t breath hold dive). You remain at the water’s surface, where air pressure remains stable. That’s why ear protection in water is less of a concern for snorkelers.

Can You Use Earplugs for Snorkeling?

Yes, you can wear snorkeling ear plugs, but you need the right type. The best options allow water protection while still letting pressure equalize naturally.

However, ear plugs for scuba diving are a different story. The much more significant pressure changes underwater can create a dangerous vacuum effect in your ears, leading to serious damage.

Safe options for snorkeling:

• Pressure-equalizing ear plugs – Designed to block water while allowing pressure to adjust, making them ideal for water ear protection at shallow depths.
• Soft silicone ear plugs – Comfortable and effective at keeping water out of your ears, but they should not be used for breath hold dives or for scuba diving.

So, if you’re just floating on the surface and enjoying marine life, scuba diver ear plugs aren’t necessary. But if you’re planning to go deeper, avoid diving with ear plugs altogether.