As we grow older, our hearing is constantly being damaged, and this damage can never be repaired. Your toddler still has new hearing, and the chances are that it is still in excellent working order.

Whether they have perfect hearing or they have some hearing problems, they are going to have hearing that is more sensitive than yours, so it needs protecting. (When I was a child I had issues with my ears – in fact I still do)

You may need to protect your toddler’s ears from water, sound, pressure when flying, and of course, from loud noises. This article explains when these things can be uncomfortable or dangerous to your child. Then give recommendations on what you should do to keep them happy and safe.

Ear Plugs For Toddlers In The Water.

The human body has grown to live in our environment and can easily cope with most things in it. This includes water, and getting water in the ears. Our bodies are covered in skin, including in our ears. The skin acts as a barrier to foreign objects and does an outstanding job doing this.

Most people, most of the time, will not need to wear plugs when going in the water, as the skin and earwax will keep our ears safe. The shape of the ear is also designed to allow water to drain easily.

(Yes, ear wax is not something to be got rid of as soon as it appears. We have developed so that ear wax will move down the ear, actually cleaning it, removing dust, fungus, and bacteria as it goes. It is your ears natural cleaner).

There will be some occasions; however, when stopping water going into the ears is a good idea. For example:

• Dirty water. Dirty water has a lot more bacteria than clean water.
• Ear infections. Pre-existing ear infections will worsen if wet.
• History of infections. If you have a history of infections, it makes sense to prevent more.
• Difficulty drying the ears. Ears naturally empty, but if you have small ears or blockages, they are harder to drain.

Children have ear canals that are narrower than adults (they are smaller!), this means that the water will not drain as readily. So when in the water or swimming, they may need plugs.

You need to use your common sense here. If your child is perfectly healthy, has no history of ear infections, and is in clean bathwater, then there will be little need for plugs.

If they are swimming in a river, or had an ear infection last week, then there may be a need for plugs.

Ear Plugs For Toddlers When It’s Cold.

As most of us know, cold weather can cause your ears to hurt. But once they warm up again, then they are fine, and there is no lasting damage. But this is not always the case. Sometimes the cold can cause ear problems, which could have been easily avoided by wearing a hooded top, or better still, ear muffs.

Cold weather can cause a problem called Exostosis, more commonly known as “surfer’s ear.” (Surfers get this a lot as they spend a lot of time in cold water, hence the name.)

Exostosis is the body trying to provide a barrier to the cold. With this condition, the ear canal has abnormal bone growths. In the ear canal, bone grows on top of the bone that is already present. It thickens around the ear canal, causing the opening to become narrower.

With a narrower canal, it becomes more difficult to hear, and wax builds up as it is harder for it to move through the ear canal. The wax and water can get trapped in the ear, and if this happens, bacteria will grow, causing ear infections.

People with Exostosis are far more likely to get pain, tinnitus, and hearing problems. These difficulties can be avoided by wearing earmuffs or a hat on wintry days.

Ear Plugs For Toddlers When It Is Loud.

Hearing protection in noisy places can be really useful when you have toddlers, for the following reasons

• Protecting their hearing.
• Allowing them to sleep.
• Preventing over excitement.
• Preventing them being frightened by sudden noises.

The ears of a toddler are more sensitive than yours as an adult. This means that they are more vulnerable to prolonged sounds and loud noises. At a young age, permanent hearing damage can occur quickly, and hearing damage is permanent.

Research shows that one in eight babies and toddlers has suffered some mild degree of hearing damage. This is permanent and can be easily avoided. Keep children from noisy environments, and if this is not possible, use hearing protection.

I have a more detailed article on Infant Hearing Protection Here 

Please Note: Just because an ear defender is marked, for example, "Gunshot" - it will still cover other things, like "explosions"

Recommended Products – Best Earplugs For Toddlers

Below are the recommended ear protectors for your toddler. A set has been chosen from each category of water, air pressure, temperature, and sound. These have been selected as the price that they are sold at is very reasonable, and also because they have a lot of positive independent reviews from other parents who have purchased and used the products.

Should you have any doubts, click the link and read some of these reviews. You will not be disappointed with the products recommended here!