How to Find the Right Earplug Size
It can be hard to know how an earplug is supposed to feel at first. The goal is to find a setup that is comfortable for a full session while still creating a reliable seal against water.
If your SurfEars feel too tight, too loose, painful, or leaky, that usually does not mean they are wrong for you. In most cases, it simply means a small adjustment in size, position, or a combination of the two is needed.
Step 1: Start with the setup they come with
Unless you already know that you usually need very small or very large in-ear products, start by trying your SurfEars exactly as they come in the box.
They should feel snug and secure, but comfortable. They should not hurt, and you should not need to force them into the ear canal.
How to fit your SurfEars:
Step 2: If they feel too big or uncomfortable, go down a size
This is one of the most common fixes.
If the earplugs create pressure, make your ears sore, or give you a blocked sensation, the gels may be too large. In that case, try a smaller gel size first.
A gel that is slightly too big can actually seal worse, even if it seems like it should sit tighter.
Signs you may need a smaller gel:
- They feel too noticeable in the ear
- They create pressure or soreness
- Your ears feel overly blocked
- They become uncomfortable after a short time
How to change gels:
Step 3: If they feel loose or let water in, go up a size
If the earplugs feel comfortable but do not seal properly, or if they move around too easily, try a larger gel size.
Signs you may need a larger gel:
- They feel too loose
- They do not stay in place properly
- They let water in
- You need to keep adjusting them
Step 4: If the size feels almost right, adjust the gel position
Each gel can be mounted in two positions, which changes how far into the ear canal it sits. This is an important factor because of our unique ear canal anatomies, as well as for making earplugs usable for people with surfer’s ear (bony growths) affecting the shape of their ear canal.
- Position 1 makes the gel sit further in the ear canal
- Position 2 makes the gel sit more shallowly in the ear canal
If the size feels close but not quite right, try changing the gel position before changing size again. This often improves comfort, seal, hearing or all three.
How to change gel position:
Changing gel position can be worth trying for everyone using SurfEars, since it can help those who already found a good setup to get an even better fit.
Step 5: Test each ear separately
Do not assume both ears need the same setup.
It is common to use one size in the left ear and another in the right. Small differences in ear canal shape are completely normal, so test both ears separately and choose the setup that works best for each one.
Step 6: If they still feel unstable, adjust the wings
The wings mainly affect stability. If the seal feels fine but the earplugs do not stay in place as well as you want, try changing the wing size.
How to change wings:
Step 7: Try going wingless
If you mainly swim in a pool, or if the wings make the fit feel less natural or uncomfortable, try going wingless. Some people get a better and more comfortable fit that way.
How to go wingless:
How to know when the fit is right
A good fit should feel:
- Snug, but not painful
- Secure, without constant adjusting
- Comfortable enough to forget about after a while
- Stable during movement in the water
You should still be able to hear your surroundings, and the plugs should not need to be pushed in forcefully to work.
If you are between two options
If one size feels more comfortable but another seals slightly better, try adjusting the gel position before making a final decision.
In many cases, the right combination is not just about gel size, but about gel size, gel position and wing setup.
Still not sure?
If you have tried different sizes and positions and the fit still feels off, feel free to reach out to us. We are very happy to help you fine-tune the setup.
Check out our User Instructions for even more tips on how to use SurfEars in the best way.
