Ear Plug Compliance Plays Important Role In Preventing Swimmer's Ear

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AquaEars™ is an easy, convenient and comfortable step in providing top line protection from swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, that is more prevalent as a result of exposure to moisture in the ears from swimming or bathing. Now the line is making a splash in fun characters, ranging from SpongeBob SquarePants to Finding Nemo, in order to help increase compliance of ear plug use in children who may typically resist.

To keep ears, and children, happy and healthy this swimming season, the AquaEars™ ear health experts have come up with the following safety tips for the next time your child takes a dip:

• Be an Explorer: Always take the time to explore around the swimming area to help your child identify the location of lifeguards, water preservers, bathrooms facilities, depth markers with shallow and deeps ends, sitting areas, and even other swimmer's behavior in the pool. You can reward your child with extra swim time or water toys once you feel they understand these safety observations. The AquaEars™ Dora the Explorer Ultra Soft Ear Plugs, along with other AquaEars™ licensed character ear plugs, do not interfere with normal hearing like most other ear plugs for swimming, offering safer recreation while exploring in and around the water, while protecting children's ears.
• Pump your Brakes: Never allow children to run or even walk fast around or in a swimming area. The spillover and foot traffic from the water makes surfaces wet and slippery and children can easily injure themselves or others by falling on the hard surface or even in to the pool. Using the © Disney/Pixar Cars AquaEars™ ear plugs are a great way to remind them to "pump their brakes" and walk while enjoying water activities. 
• Find Some Water Buddies: Even if a lifeguard is on duty, a child should never swim alone!  Kids should always have an adult supervising by land and preferably another adult by sea.  Swimmers of all ages in all depths of water can develop cramps underwater, hit their heads on the diving board, float too deep on a raft, or experience a water accident that requires immediate response. Plain and simply, never leave any child unsupervised by or in the pool or other body of water.
• The Fish Test: Your child may be more confident about their swimming abilities than you are, so it's important to have them show you and the lifeguard that they can comfortably and safely swim in designated swimming areas. Under close supervision, ask your child to show you some basic swimming techniques such as holding their breath, treading water and swimming underwater. Make sure their demonstration is depth-appropriate and be honest about their 'fish test' results by telling them where they are able or unable to venture based on your observations. Make sure the lifeguard supports your 'fish test' findings.
• Watch Now. Read Later: Reading poolside can be very relaxing and enjoyable, but since pool accidents can occur quickly and need immediate response, try to wait to read during your child's designated pool breaks. Instead use this time to enjoy the water with your child and get some exercise at the same time.
• Let Them Be Sponges: While it might seem that swimming might come natural over time, it is best to provide age-appropriate swimming lessons from professionals to instill proper skills and confidence. Learning from professionals will also lessen the stress on mom and dad to instruct their children directly.
• Changing Waves: Even if your child is comfortable in your backyard pool, swimming in a community pool, ocean, lake or water park are each a completely different setting and have a new set of distractions and safety issues to be aware of.

AquaEars™ is available in two sizes – one for children ages three to 11 and one for ages 12 and up – and comes in a new line of branded, licensed character ear plugs, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Hello Kitty, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and Cars. Beginning in April 2013, they will be available at CVS and Walmart for an average retail price of $4.00, and will include a convenient carrying case.

For more information, visit http://www.cirrushealthcare.com/AquaEars-C6.aspx or connect with the brand on Facebook for special offers, tips and giveaways: www.Facebook.com/AquaEars. 

Nickelodeon, Nickjr, SpongeBob SquarePants ®, Dora the Explorer ® and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc,

Hello Kitty ® is a registered trademark of SANRIO CO., LTD

Cars, The Little Mermaid, Nemo are © Disney characters as a registered trademark of the Disney Corporation

SOURCE Cirrus Healthcare Products