Ocean Addict

Surfers ear – what you saying?

Although these ear plugs have been designed with surfers in mind, they are not the only people to suffer ear problems due to water temperature.

Surfers ear (Exostosis) is a common but preventable condition of the ear canal. In our colder 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. It can become apparent after as little as five years of regular surfing.

The cause is due to cold air blowing over the wet skin layers of the ear canal. This natural evaporation lowers the surface temperature and stimulates bony growth in an effort to close and protect the ear canal.

These growths can eventually cause partial or even complete blockage of the ear canal that traps water and debris causing painful ear infections which may become recurrent and difficult to treat. In severe and advanced cases the narrowing can be enough to create deafness and the only treatment becomes surgical removal of the bony lumps. Generally the operation is 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.

Symptoms of Surfers Ear include a persistent feeling of fullness, as if the ear is plugged, and a difficulty clearing water from the ears after surfing is another clear indication. The condition is more common in males than females with the typical presentation of the condition occurring in men in their mid to late thirties.

Many surfers have common and mild exostosis, these don’t tend to cause trouble and keeping the ears warm and dry when surfing will prevent it getting any worse. The best way to do this is to wear custom earplugs such as Surfplugs™, and also wearing a hood in the winter months will provide additional protection.

Surfplugs™ are a custom moulded earplug developed specifically for surfers. They will help to prevent Surfers Ear and infections by keeping your lugs snug and toasty even in the heaviest of winter surf. They float, are available in a variety of colours and graphics options, and are provided with a leash and storage pouch as standard. Surfplugs™ also keep a mould of your ear shape so duplicate sets of Surfplugs™ can be made at budget prices and posted to you anywhere in the world. Surfplugs™ service is also based on speed, with turnaround times of less than a week – so give your ears a rest and call Surfplugs™ today. www.surfplugs.co.uk +44(0)1237 478142

Rob Shaddick has been surfing North Devon for over 20 years. He developed surfers ear quite early on and has since used his knowledge as qualified NHS Audiologist to develop ear protection for surfers. He started his business, Surfplugs, 3 years ago and dedicates his time to providing advice and solutions for preventing Surfers Ear.