Swimming with Tinnitus — Can It Make Tinnitus Worse? What Precautions to Take?

[ChrisRA]

Hello all

I have a whitewater kayaking trip planned for the weekend, and I was wondering if there are any precautions I should take to prevent my tinnitus from worsening. Could swimming potentially affect my tinnitus?

If it's relevant, my tinnitus is mild (I can only hear it in quiet living rooms), and I can change the pitch of it with jaw movement.

Should I keep ear plugs in while boating? The surrounding will not be too loud, I just don't want to risk infection or anything like that.

Thank you!

 

[MBH]

I went swimming last summer into lakes and the ocean. I didn't wear earplugs, but did bring them with me. Also, I read a member went diving and had no problems. Mine stayed the same.

 

[Michael B]

I used to swim and never found it to affect my tinnitus. That said, bring the earplugs as a precaution.

 

[Shera]

I have really weird ear pressure issues. Even just swallowing makes them pop. They have to constantly pressurize even when it seems like there isn't an elevations change while driving.

I actually went swimming a lot last year. I'm an underwater swimmer to boot. Even with my bad Eustachian tubes adjusting to the water. The air literary farted out of them. TMI I know. I really didn't have any issues after the swims. I also did not jump or dive in though. I only where goggles that protect my eyes and nose. Nothing to protect ears.

My T changes a lot volume and noises, but it didn't seem to make it any worse.

 

[F-u-T]

Just got back from a week in the Bahamas. Went swimming / snorkeling everyday and also scuba diving. No issues whatsoever. Getting outdoors and doing something fun helps distract my mind.

I also like to whitewater kayak. Go have fun!

 

[Alue]

I want to get back into swimming for exercise. Last week I went to an indoor pool with my nephews, but wore earplugs the whole time because it was pretty loud in there. The water made a weird sound (occlusion effect?) when I tried to swim a few laps. I'm not sure if it's better to swim with earplugs or no earplugs providing it's outdoors.

 

[Earing]

Doc's Proplugs are designed for swimming, surfing etc. They have a small hole to allow for the pressure changes.