Homemade Earplugs

Earplugs can be used for a variety of reasons. Some people, especially professional musicians or gun shooters, use them to block out loud sounds. Some people, including swimmers, use them to keep water out of their ears. Earplugs can be easily made out of objects that are likely around your house.

Silly Putty

• Silly Putty is very flexible, so it can break off and be molded to fit into any ear. Silly Putty is also non-toxic, so it won't cause any problems once it's put in your ears. Mold a small amount to fit into the holes in your ears. Make sure there is an extra amount on the end of the plug so it can be pulled out easily. These earplugs help block out most if not all of the water that would come into your ears, and they also block out most sounds. Use new Silly Putty because it can accumulate germs with use.

Cotton Swabs

• Cotton swabs are not as effective at blocking out noise as Silly Putty, but they are safer because there is a chance that a small amount of Silly Putty could remain in your ears and cause an infection. Cotton swabs are less likely to be infected by bacteria or germs. To use cotton swabs as earplugs, simply take one for each ear and gently work the cotton into your ear. This will help block out noise and even a small amount of water. If you want to keep your cotton swabs more firmly in place, you can gently tape them in place. Don't, however, use tape that adheres too strongly to your skin.

Old Headphones

• Old headphones should not be used to block out water, but they can be used to block out sound. Little work has to be done to convert headphones into earplugs; you might just have to snip the cord with a pair of scissors. The most effective type of headphones to use for earplugs is the kind that completely covers your ears. These headphones block out a maximum amount of sound.