As school winds down and temperatures rise, the excitement for summer holidays and poolside fun kicks in. Whether it’s swimming lessons, splash parks, or seaside adventures, kids will be spending more time in the water – which makes now the perfect time to think about ear health.
One common summer woe? Swimmer’s ear – a painful and preventable condition that can disrupt your child’s summer plans.
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear (medically known as otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water that gets trapped in the ear. This moist environment creates the perfect conditions for bacteria or fungi to grow. It’s especially common in children, who may spend hours in the pool or sea during the warmer months.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:
- Itching inside the ear
- Redness and swelling
- Pain when the ear is tugged or when chewing
- Discharge from the ear
- Temporary hearing loss
In severe cases, it may require antibiotics and time out of the water – not exactly what you want on your holiday.
Why Are Children More at Risk?
Children are naturally more susceptible to swimmer’s ear because their ear canals are narrower, making it easier for water to become trapped. Add in extended time in the water and sometimes inconsistent drying habits, and it’s no surprise ear infections spike during the summer.
Custom Ear Moulds: A Simple Solution That Works
Custom ear moulds are a reliable, fuss-free way to protect your child’s ears. At Provide Wellbeing, our ear moulds are designed specifically to fit your child’s ears, forming a watertight barrier that keeps moisture out while they enjoy their time in the water.
They’re:
- Comfortable enough for everyday use
- Made in a single appointment
- Available for both kids and adults
- Affordable at just £50 a pair
Whether your child is a keen swimmer or just loves splashing around, custom ear moulds can be the difference between a fun-filled summer and frequent visits to the GP.
“Our custom ear moulds are a must-pack item for any family heading away this summer,” says our team of Audiologists. “They’re especially great for children prone to infections or those with grommets.”
5 Tips to Keep Ears Healthy Around Water
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming: tilt the head to each side and gently towel dry.
- Avoid cotton buds: these can push wax further in or damage the ear canal.
- Use custom ear moulds: prevent water from entering the ear canal altogether.
- Watch for signs of infection – itching, pain, or discharge? Seek help early.
- Plan ahead for holidays – book your child’s fitting before you travel.
Book Your Appointment Today
At Provide Wellbeing, we make it easy to get summer-ready. Our expert Audiologists will fit your child with custom ear moulds in a single visit – with appointments taking less than 20 minutes and the moulds ready to take home on the same day. Available at our convenient clinics in Chelmsford, Colchester, and Braintree, so you can head off on holiday with complete peace of mind.
To book, call us on 0300 303 9966 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email us hello@providewellbeing.co.uk and we will respond within 24 hours. You can also book online at your convenience via our secure portal. Please note that not all of our appointments are published to the online booking system, as we often tailor our clinic times around our patients’ needs — so we recommend calling us for a wider range of appointment options.
For more information about our Custom Ear Moulds service and options available for you, please visit Provide Wellbeing’s dedicated webpage.
Don’t let ear infections spoil your summer. Protect your child’s hearing today with custom ear moulds – because a healthy ear is a happy ear.
