Surfers Ear – What It Is and How Surfers Can Protect Their Hearing
Surfer’s ear – sometimes also called swimmer’s ear – is a condition that many people in water sports have heard about. You may even know someone who has experienced it yourself.
Among experienced surfers there is often a strong warning for younger surfers – look after your ears now or deal with the consequences later.
At Coast to Coast we want to encourage everyone to keep enjoying the sea safely. Because of that, we spoke with hearing specialist John Allen to better understand surfers ear in surfing and how to prevent it.
John is a fully qualified audiologist who runs The Hearing Health Clinic while also working within the NHS. His son is part of the Belhaven Surf Club, so protecting surfers’ hearing is something he cares about personally.
We asked John to explain the condition and to share advice that could help surfers protect their ears.
What Is Surfers Ear?
Q – What is surfer’s ear and how does it happen?
John:
Surfer’s ear – medically known as external auditory exostosis – develops when the ear canal is repeatedly exposed to cold water and wind.
Over time this exposure causes the ear canal to produce extra bone. These bony growths gradually narrow the ear canal and can eventually block it.
This condition is commonly seen in surfers and cold-water swimmers because they spend so much time in the water.
What Are the Risks?
Q – What problems can surfer’s ear cause?
John:
One of the main risks is an increased chance of ear infections. When the ear canal becomes narrower, water and debris can become trapped inside.
This trapped moisture can lead to repeated infections.
In some cases, hearing can also be affected if the bone growth begins to block sound from travelling through the ear canal.
If the condition becomes severe, surgery may be required to remove the excess bone and restore normal ear function.
For people who regularly surf in cold water, prevention is extremely important.
How Can Surfers Protect Their Ears?
Q – What can surfers do to prevent surfer’s ear?
John:
The best protection is a set of custom fitted ear plugs.
These plugs are made from medical grade silicone and are moulded specifically to the shape of your ear. Because they fill the ear canal fully, they create an excellent seal that prevents water entering the ear.
There is also an optional acoustic filter that allows you to hear better while wearing them in the water.
Custom surf plugs currently cost £90.00 for a pair.
If you choose the additional acoustic filter the cost is £130.00.
This price includes:
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Ear impressions taken by a professional
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Your choice of colours
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A cord attached to the plugs
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A protective carry case
Photograph: What is included in your purchase
How To Order Custom Surf Ear Plugs
Q – How can people get a pair of these plugs?
John:
We are running a fitting session on Saturday 16th December from 2pm – 4pm.
Appointments take around 20 minutes and involve taking impressions of your ears so the plugs can be custom made.
To book an appointment, or to arrange an alternative time at one of our clinics, please contact The Hearing Health Clinic:
Phone: 07719 955714
Email: john@hearinghealthclinic.co.uk
Final Thoughts
A big thank you to John for taking the time to explain surfer’s ear and how surfers can protect their hearing.
If you have any questions about surfer’s ear or surfing safely in Scotland, feel free to get in touch with Coast to Coast Surf School and we will be happy to help.
Thank you John for your time and if you out there have any further questions please get in touch with Coast to Coast and we would be happy to help you out.
