Surfers Ear and How to Prevent It Surfer's Ear, or exostosis, is a condition caused by exposing the unprotected ear to wind and water for lengthy periods of time.
It is an abnormal bony growth surrounding and constricting the ear canal.
This is the body's natural defense to protect the ear canal.
Surfer's Ear is not the same as Swimmer's Ear, which is an infection of the ear, although sometimes there can be an infection along with Surfer's Ear as a side-effect.
Silicone ear plugs may help to prevent the condition.
Surfer's Ear is not a problem reserved exclusively for surfers, although the name came about because of the prevalence of the condition among surfers who practice their sport in cold water.
It is six times more likely to affect cold water surfers than people who surf in warm water tropical climates.
The severity of the condition depends on a multiple of factors.
Usually the bone growth is slow and most often is seen in individuals in their 30s or 40s but it can occur at any age and depends directly on how much time is spent in the water and/or wet windy environments.
Other activities besides surfing such as kayaking, diving, jet skiing, or sailing can bring on this condition.
Surfer's Ear can be very detrimental as the bone can grow enough to severely impede the ear canal.
The ear canal is usually about the width of a pencil.
When the bone growth shrinks this opening it can interfere with passage of air and water in and out of the ear, which can also cause infection.
It can cause hearing loss as well.
Surfers in particular should take extra precautions to protect their ears.
With the advent of more and more advanced wet suits, the time surfers spend in much cold water has increased.
If possible, avoid activity in overly cold or windy environments and make sure to keep your ear canals dry and warm.
Along with wearing a neoprene hood or swim cap, it is wise to also use silicone ear plugs designed for swimmers to offer as much ear protection as possible.
Prevention is the best course of action.
Seek medical advice if you notice you are having difficulty expelling debris, water, and wax from your ears or you are experiencing ear infections.
Also, check with your doctor if you notice any deterioration in your hearing.
Surfer's Ear is usually treated by surgery or chiseling the bony growth.
Recovery may keep you out of the water for several weeks or months and, without protection, the growth may return.
It is much simpler, and wiser, to employ the use of customized moldable silicone ear plugs to protect the ear canal along with common sense so you may continue to enjoy your passion for surfing.