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ExostosisThe exposure to the cold sea water can cause a condition called Surfers or Swimmers Ears. In the medical world, we refer to this condition as Exostosis. Surfer's ear is a condition where the bone of the ear canal develops multiple bony growths called exostoses. It is a slowly progressive disease which over time, can eventually cause a partial or complete blockage of the ear canal.
The condition is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to cold water or wind. It is most commonly seen in surfers but can affect anyone who is repeatedly exposed to cold water and wind including swimmers, divers, kayakers, and sailors. Cold water surfers are six times more likely to get surfer's ear than warm water surfers. A study conducted in Cornwall found that 63.81% of surfers had exostosis, and concluded the condition is common in Cornish Surfers |
Symptoms of Exostosis
The bony growth in your ear isn’t harmful but can cause problems. You might be unaware that the condition is developing.
Symptoms of surfer's ear may include:
Recurrent ear infections
Water getting trapped in your ear
Hearing loss
Otorrhea (drainage of runny fluid from ears)
Sensation of aural fullness (feeling blocked)
Compacted wax
Once exostoses form they are irreversible unless surgery is performed to remove them. Early detection
and prevention of progression is the best management for this condition. Regular removal of debris
and wax which can become trapped in the canals due to the bumpy canals,
is recommended, to help prevent infections developing
Symptoms of surfer's ear may include:
Recurrent ear infections
Water getting trapped in your ear
Hearing loss
Otorrhea (drainage of runny fluid from ears)
Sensation of aural fullness (feeling blocked)
Compacted wax
Once exostoses form they are irreversible unless surgery is performed to remove them. Early detection
and prevention of progression is the best management for this condition. Regular removal of debris
and wax which can become trapped in the canals due to the bumpy canals,
is recommended, to help prevent infections developing
Protecting your ears from Exostosis
Ear protection is highly recommended to manage this condition. Consistent use of physical ear
protection during cold water exposure prevents cold water from entering the ear canal and can
mitigate the development and progression of exostoses. At K&M Hearing Solutions we offer advice on
this condition, as well as provide Custom Made Swimming ear plugs to protect the ears from the
cold water and wind. You can opt to have filters in your swim moulds which
helps you to hear better whilst surfing which surfers find useful for their balance
Earplug options available
There are 3 options to choose from:
Full Shell Hard £80
Full Shell Soft floaty £100
Full Shell Soft floaty, with filters and cord £140
A £35 impression fee is also applicable
Full Shell Hard £80
Full Shell Soft floaty £100
Full Shell Soft floaty, with filters and cord £140
A £35 impression fee is also applicable
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Benefits of custom surf & swimming ear moulds
✓ Prevent Ear InfectionsCustom surf and swimming moulds help to keep water out of your ears, reducing the risk of ear infections such as swimmer's ear, which is a common issue for people who spend a lot of time in the water
✓ DurabilityThe custom ear moulds we offer are made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand repeated use in cold water environments, making them a long-lasting investment, and perfect for swimming and surfing
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✓ Comfort and FitUnlike generic earplugs, custom moulds are designed to fit the unique shape of your ears, providing a secure and comfortable fit. This means they are less likely to fall out during activities like surfing or swimming
✓ Protection from Cold WaterFor surfers and swimmers in cold environments, ear moulds can provide a barrier against cold water, helping to prevent conditions like surfer's ear (exostosis), which is caused by prolonged exposure to cold water and wind
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