I've tried just about every ear protection out there, but I always find myself coming back to putty buddy ear plugs because they actually do what they're supposed to do. If you've ever spent an afternoon at the pool only to spend the next three hours tilting your head and hopping on one foot to get water out of your ear, you know exactly why a good seal matters. It's one of those small annoyances that can totally ruin a good workout or a fun day with the family.
What makes these things stand out in a crowded market of silicone blobs is the texture and the reliability. They aren't your typical hardware store earplugs that you shove into your ear canal until it hurts. Instead, they sit over the opening, creating a waterproof barrier that feels a lot more natural. Honestly, once you get the hang of how to smash them into place, you kind of forget you're even wearing them.
What Exactly Are They?
If you're new to the world of water safety gear, you might be wondering what "putty" even means in this context. Basically, these are made from a soft, moldable silicone. Unlike the foam plugs people use for sleeping or concerts, putty buddy ear plugs don't expand. You roll them into a little ball, place them over your ear canal, and flatten them out to create a custom fit.
The cool thing is that they were actually invented by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor. That gives them a bit more street cred than some of the generic brands you find in the clearance aisle at the drugstore. They were specifically designed to keep water out for people with ear tubes, chronic infections, or just sensitive ears that hate the sting of chlorine.
Why the "Floating" Feature is a Big Deal
One of the most genius things about these plugs—and I'm surprised more companies don't do this—is that they float. If you've ever tried to find a clear or flesh-colored earplug at the bottom of a six-foot-deep pool, you know it's an impossible mission. It's like looking for a contact lens in a bathtub.
Because putty buddy ear plugs are made with a special floatable silicone formula, if one pops out while you're doing a flip turn or playing water polo, it just bobs on the surface. You can just grab it, give it a quick rinse, and stick it back in. This is a massive lifesaver for parents whose kids are constantly losing things. Plus, they come in really bright, neon colors, which makes them even easier to spot against the blue of the pool or the murky water of a lake.
Getting the Perfect Seal Every Time
I'll admit, the first time I used these, I did it wrong. I tried to roll them into a long cylinder and poke them inside my ear. Don't do that. That's not how they work, and it's actually not very safe. The goal is to cover the "hole," not plug it like a cork in a bottle.
Here is the trick I've found that works best: 1. Make sure your hands and your ears are dry before you start. If your ear is already wet, the silicone won't stick, and you'll be fighting it the whole time. 2. Roll a single plug into a smooth ball. 3. Place it right over the center of your ear opening. 4. Use your thumb or finger to press it flat until it covers the entire area.
You want it to look like a little pancake stuck to your ear. You shouldn't feel any pressure inside your ear canal, but you should notice that the sound around you gets significantly muffled. That's how you know you've got a solid, airtight (and watertight) seal.
Perfect for Kids with Ear Tubes
If you have a kid who just got ear tubes (myringotomy tubes), the doctor probably gave you a stern warning about keeping their ears dry. It can be a real bummer for a kid to have to sit on the sidelines while everyone else is splashing around. This is where putty buddy ear plugs really shine.
Because they are soft and colorful, kids don't usually fight wearing them as much as they would with hard plastic plugs. They don't hurt, and they come in "fun" versions with animal characters if you want to go that route. For a lot of parents, these plugs are the difference between a stressful summer and a normal one. It gives you that peace of mind that you aren't going to end up in the ER with an ear infection at 2:00 AM on a Saturday.
Pairing Them with an Ear Band-It
While the plugs stay in pretty well on their own for casual swimming, if you have a really active kid or if you're a competitive swimmer doing laps, you might want to pair them with an Ear Band-It. This is essentially a neoprene headband that goes over the ears and Velcroes at the back of the head.
It acts like a "safety belt" for the putty buddy ear plugs. It keeps them pressed firmly against the ear so they can't be bumped or scraped off. If you're doing something high-impact like surfing or diving, this combo is pretty much the gold standard. It's not the most fashionable look in the world, but it beats having a middle ear infection any day of the week.
How Long Do They Last?
One question I see a lot is whether these are one-time-use or if you can keep them for a while. The answer is somewhere in the middle. You can definitely reuse them, but they aren't meant to last forever. Over time, the silicone starts to lose its "tackiness." It might pick up a bit of dust, lint, or—let's be real—earwax.
Usually, you can get about two weeks of daily use out of a pair if you're careful with them. Once they start to feel dirty or they aren't sticking as well as they used to, it's time to toss them and grab a new pair. Luckily, they usually come in multi-packs, so it's not a huge hit to the wallet. I always keep a spare pair in my gym bag just in case.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
As much as I love these, there are a couple of things to watch out for. First, because they are "tacky," they can occasionally get stuck in long hair. If you have long hair, I highly recommend pulling it back into a ponytail or wearing a swim cap. It's not a nightmare to get out, but it's definitely something you'd rather avoid.
Second, don't use them for deep-sea diving. These are designed for surface swimming or shallow diving (like the bottom of a backyard pool). Once you get more than a few feet deep, the water pressure changes, and you need specialized equipment for that. For 95% of people, though, these are exactly what's needed.
Final Thoughts on Staying Dry
At the end of the day, putty buddy ear plugs are a simple solution to a really annoying problem. They're affordable, they're comfortable, and they actually stay in place thanks to that custom-molded fit. Whether you're trying to protect a toddler with tubes or you're just an adult who's tired of the "water-in-the-ear" dance, they are well worth the few bucks they cost.
It's one of those things where you don't realize how much better the swimming experience is until you don't have to worry about your ears anymore. Just remember to keep them clean, roll them into a ball, and look for the ones that float if you're prone to losing things. Your ears will definitely thank you.