Question 1

Can my child become too dependent on earplugs and refuse to swim without them after the grommets come out?

Accepted Answer

It is possible for some children to feel nervous about swimming without earplugs if they have worn them for a long time. This is usually more about confidence than about the ears themselves. When the grommets have fallen out and the eardrums have healed, your ENT specialist can confirm that normal swimming is safe again. At that point, you can gradually reduce earplug use, starting in shallow water with calm, positive experiences. Swimming instructors can also help reassure your child, and in most cases they adjust quite quickly once they realise their ears remain comfortable.

Question 2

Is there a difference between chlorinated pools and ocean water if I have grommets?

Accepted Answer

Both pool and ocean water can be acceptable in certain situations, but they are not exactly the same. Chlorinated pools are treated to reduce germs, which can be helpful, but they often involve more time under water, crowded conditions and activities like jumping and diving. Ocean water is not chlorinated, but many people spend more time at the surface and less time under water. Strong waves and surf zones can put more pressure on the ears, while calmer beaches may be gentler. Your ENT specialist can help you decide which environments are best for you, based on your ear history and how your grommets are performing.

Question 3

I am training for a triathlon and have grommets. Is it realistic to keep up my swim program?

Accepted Answer

Many adults with grommets can continue structured training, but it usually involves some adjustments. Long, steady surface laps in a pool are often easier to manage than frequent sprint sets that include deep dives, tumble turns or explosive starts. You may need to consider high quality ear protection, careful monitoring for any symptoms after training and regular check ups to ensure the ears remain healthy. At Melbourne ENT, your surgeon can review your ears, discuss your training schedule and help you plan a program that protects your ear health while keeping you as close to your goals as possible.

Question 4

Can flying to a holiday destination and then swimming with grommets cause extra problems for my ears?

Accepted Answer

Flying and swimming affect the ears in different ways. Grommets often make flying more comfortable, because the tube allows air to move more freely and pressure to equalise more easily during take off and landing. Swimming on the holiday is a separate question. If you are planning a trip that combines flights and a lot of water time, it is worth having your ears checked before you go. Your ENT specialist can advise whether your ears are stable enough for both flying and swimming, suggest any precautions such as ear protection in certain environments and give you guidance about what to do if symptoms arise while you are away.

Question 5

Is it safe for my child with grommets to participate in school swimming carnivals or surf lifesaving programs?

Accepted Answer

School swimming carnivals and junior surf lifesaving often include energetic activities such as racing dives, deep water practice and rescue drills. These can increase the pressure on the ears compared with regular swimming lessons. Safety will depend on how stable your child’s ears are, the type of grommets, and exactly what is involved in the program. Sometimes children can participate in modified ways, such as focusing on surface events or land based training until their ENT specialist is confident that higher pressure activities are safe. A letter from Melbourne ENT outlining suggested limits can help schools or clubs make appropriate adjustments.

Question 6

If I have grommets and also get swimmer’s ear, does that change what I can do in the water?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the skin in the ear canal, while grommets sit in the eardrum and relate to the middle ear. If you are prone to both problems, you may need a more cautious approach. Protecting the ear canal from prolonged moisture, gently drying the outer ear after swimming and avoiding cotton buds or other objects in the ear can be particularly important. Your ENT specialist may recommend specific drops at certain times or more structured limits on your time in the water until both the canal and middle ear are stable. The plan can be adjusted over time as your ears improve.

Question 7

How long after my grommets fall out should I wait before returning to diving or more intense water sports?

Accepted Answer

Once grommets have fallen out, the small hole in the eardrum usually closes on its own. Only after the eardrum has fully healed and hearing has stabilised should you consider returning to higher pressure activities such as diving or forceful water sports. The timing varies from person to person. An examination at Melbourne ENT can confirm whether the grommets are out, the eardrums are fully intact and the middle ear is healthy. Your surgeon can then provide specific guidance on when and how to reintroduce deeper dives, water slides or, if appropriate, future scuba training.

Category: Ear Infections

Diving and Water Sports with Grommets

Chronic Ear Problems in Adults: When Grommet Surgery May Be Considered

Why Ear Infections Spike In Summer And How To Prevent Swimmer’s Ear

Summer Ear Health Tips for Children Who Swim

What is Otitis Externa? (Swimmer’s Ear)