Many people ask me ‘what actually causes surfers ear?’ If we look at the most basic explanation it is growth of the bone within the ear canal caused by the cooling effect of the wind over the moist skin layers. Its a protective mechanism, the ears are trying to close and restrict water into the ear.

Surfers ear (Exostosis) is a common but preventable condition of the ear canal. In the UK waters it is six times more common than in the tropics and the more frequently you surf the more likely you are to develop it. The good thing is that this doesn’t happen quickly and takes years of regular surfing before it becomes a serious problem. I typically see the first signs of development after about 5 years of regular watersport but severe cases tend to be restricted to those that have frequent water exposure for 20 years or more

The combination of wind and wet skin promotes bony growths within the ear and results in partial or full blockage of the ear canal, trapping water, wax and debris which can cause painful ear infections. A feeling of fullness or difficulty clearing water from the ears after surfing is a clear indication of developing Surfers Ear as is painful or recurrent ear infections.

The problem is thought to have increased with improvements in modern wetsuits design; surfers are in the water for longer, especially during the winter when lower temperatures and prevailing winds create higher risk.

In severe and advanced cases of Surfers Ear the narrowing can create deafness and the only treatment is by a surgical operation called a ‘Canaloplasty’ where the surgeon digs a hole in the bone behind the ear and drills out the bony lumps. New methods of surgery are also emerging including ear canal ‘chipping’ techniques however, either operation should be a last resort as it can be painful, carries the risk of complications and will put you out of the water for at least two months, and if you don’t continue to protect the ear it will return. Prevent this happening and get fitted with Surfplugs™.