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Surfers Ear

What is that?

“Surfers ear” or as it is medically known – “exostosis of the external auditory canal” -- is a condition of bone growth in the ear canal, caused by the cooling effect of cold water and wind. Cooling of the ear canal stimulates bone production by the cells that line the ear canal, and when extensive growth occurs, the ear canal narrows and can easily become blocked by trapped water and ear wax. The growth of bone in the ear canal takes place over many years.

Normal Ear Free flow of water in and out washes away precious ear wax.

Surfer's Ear Bony growth typical of exostosis response to cold water and air.

 Is there anything I can do to stop it happening?
Surfer's ear is six times as common in cold water surfers than warm water surfers. The longer you surf the more likely you are to get it. It is thought that it is caused by cold water and air getting into the ears repeatedly over a long period of time.
So if you can keep your ears warm and dry when surfing there is a good chance it wont get nearly as bad. The usual way to do this is to wear earplugs but a hood in the winter will provide good protection too.

 How is "surfer's ear" managed?

Patients with advanced diffuse exostosis are typically avid lovers of surfing. Any approach to treatment must take into account their desire to continue surfing, even in the face of recurrent ear infections. The most effective treatment for recurrent external otitis under these circumstances is ongoing preventive maintenance.

Probably the most effective preventive measure is the use of alcohol lavage. After each water exposure the ear canals are irrigated with isopropyl alcohol (91%) in order to remove retained water. After the water has been washed from the ear canal, the residual alcohol evaporates, thus drying the ear canal. An ounce of white vinegar, added per quart of alcohol, makes the alcohol mildly acidic and helps retard bacterial and fungal growth. Drying the ear canal after each water exposure with alcohol lavage reduces skin maceration that may lead to external otitis. Patients with up to 85-90% bony ear canal stenosis may be managed conservatively in this fashion.

 Is there any good news?
Sort of. Many surfers have mild exostoses which cause no trouble. And if you protect yourself now you can stop it happening or getting worse.

For more information visit the websites below or search Google for “surfers ear.”