A surfer needs at least 3,000 hours of water colder than 68 degrees to develop an issue known as external auditory exostosis which is also known as surfer’s ear. This condition is rather common and is caused by exposure to cold water as well as wind chills.

The bone under the lining of the ear canal will close off from the eardrum over time due to new growth. People in the know like will protect the ear from the cold elements. If this condition is not treated it can lead to serious ear infections, hearing loss, and equilibrium issues.

This may sound scary but there are many ways to avoid this problem and the side effects. A surfer may develop this condition but they need to be prepared to deal with it and get proper treatment. You would wear a good pair of winter gloves to protect your hands while skiing wouldn’t you?

There have been several studies done and they have shown that at least 80 percent of hardcore surfers will get this condition after surfing for 10 years in cold water. Around 90 percent of surfers will experience this condition after 20 years of surfing.

Most cold-water surfers have some form of mild bone growth. This grow is usually on the ear that is the most exposed to the wind.

Denial

Many surfers think that they are immune to surfer’s ear and think that 3,000 hours will take many years. A cold water surfer may go in the water for a couple of hours a week. This can means that they are spending hundreds of hours a year in cold water.

If the same surfer does not take precautions they can get this condition within 10 years. There are some symptoms that they need to be aware of. This includes an increase in earwax. The ears may also have a plugged feeling for several hours after surfing.

Trouble Hearing

Water in the ear canal will lead to pain and repeated ear infections, although you can prevent surfers ear. There are five things that can be used to help you avoid getting it and the most important one is to use earplugs. The earplugs will keep the cold water from getting into the ear canal.

Many surf shops have vented earplugs designed for people that surf and dive. The plugs are designed to keep the water out. Be sure you get the right size so it seals the ear properly.

Something to keep in mind: even with earplugs you need to try to stay warm. You can wear a good neoprene hood to help keep the ears warm. They are helpful but they are not as effective as the earplugs. To really protect the ears, use a hood and earplugs.

After surfing dry the ears out. According to ears, nose, and throat doctors, it is good to use a mixture of half vinegar and half alcohol to dry out the ear canal and reduce the chance of infection. Only two to three drops are needed.

To further dry out the hairs use a hairdryer on the low setting. Keep the ears from getting wet. Cold water and cold ear can cause damage. Wear a hood and a cap or a beanie to further protect the ears.

Fairweather surfing: as the air and the water temperatures drop, the chance of surfer’s ear will increase. The best time to surf is on sunny days with a little win. The water temperatures will be higher as well. The warmer the water is the less chance the bones will grow in the ear canal.

Treatments

Prevention is the best way to deal with surfers ear. Once the bones grow in the ear canal the only for of treatment is surgery. An incision will be made behind the ear. A special drill will be used to grind down the bone.

The process is effective but a doctor will need to cut through skin, bone, and nerves. This can keep you from surfing for several months while you are healing.

Many people that surf in the tropics does not worry about surfers ear. Cold water surfers have are six times more likely to develop this condition. To reduce the risk surf in waters that are 68 degrees or warmer.

If a surfer does not wear a wetsuit there are additional issues they will need to deal with. This includes board rash, reef rash, stings from jellyfish, injuries from sea urchins, and sunburn. These are not as common for people that surf in cold water.

New Treatments

Surfers that have EAE can look at new types of less invasive treatments. Chisel techniques have been around since the 1990s. This is still considered to be surgery but will enter the ear through the canal to chip away at the bone.

While it still may seem painful, chiseling will cause less damage to the skin. A person can be back in the water a few weeks after having this performed on their ear. There are also some medical suggestions that chiseling may lead to a lesser amount of bone growing back in the ear.

After drilling there is still a risk that the bones will grow back. Be sure to think about the ear and take measures to protect it before going into cold water.

Published: 2019-03-29 11:05:17