'Swimmers Ear'

….well, ‘Surfers Ear’ really(!)…is something that all cold water users should be giving serious consideration to. Typically, the term ‘cold water’ refers to the entire UK sea water temperature range, from the height of summer, all the way through to the depths of winter.

What is Surfer's Ear?

Surfer’s ear, medically known as exostosis, is a condition where the bone of the ear canal develops abnormal growths due to repeated exposure to cold water and wind. While it is most commonly associated with surfers and swimmers, it can affect anyone frequently engaged in cold-water activities like kayaking, sailing, or diving. These bony lumps are the body’s way of protecting the eardrum from the harsh elements, but over time, they can significantly narrow the ear canal.

Symptoms and Complications

As the ear canal becomes constricted, it easily traps water, debris, and wax behind the bony growths. This often leads to recurrent ear infections (otitis externa), a persistent feeling of "clogged" ears, and physical pain. In advanced cases, the narrowing becomes so severe that it causes noticeable hearing loss. Because the bone growth is a slow, cumulative process, many individuals don't realize they have the condition until the canal is nearly blocked.

Prevention and Treatment

The most effective way to manage surfer’s ear is through prevention, specifically by wearing high-quality earplugs and hooded wetsuits to keep the ear canal warm and dry. If the condition progresses to the point of significant hearing loss or chronic infection, surgical intervention is usually required. This involves a procedure to "drill" or "chisel" away the excess bone, restoring the width of the canal, though recovery can be lengthy and requires staying out of the water.

Ear Plugs

We met Gavin, from Wave Plugs last week. As well as highlighting the above info, he also told me that suffers generally only notice there’s an issue, when they start to suffer slight hearing loss, get persistent ear infections or experience pain. At this stage, approx 80% of the growth has already taken place! He also told me and showed me some horrifying photos(!) of part of the treatment. To access the ear, surgeons often cut around the back of the ear, fold it forward and access the areas they need to work on and then stitch the ear back up. There were more graphic images but I think we’ll stick to this!

Whilst cheap ear plugs and solutions like Bluetac are frequently used, they can still allow cold water and debris in and materials like Bluetac can actually get stuck in your ear and cause further complications.

Wave Plugs take ear impressions before making up custom ear plugs, that are comfortable, fit correctly and include an acoustic filter, which allows you to hear through the plugs. Crucial for someone like me, that needs to cover the ears, whilst still being able to communicate effectively.

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