Surfer's ear, or External Auditory Canal Exostoses (EACE), is caused due to prolonged exposure to cold water.
It causes exostosis, an ear condition where abnormal bone growth can be found in the ear.
This condition can lead to hearing loss and frequent infections. However, with the right precautions, you can prevent this.
Table of Contents
- Causes of Surfer's Ear
- Symptoms of Surfer's Ear
- Best Ways to Prevent Surfer’s Ear
- Earplugs vs. Ear Sprays: What’s the Best Gear for Surfer’s Ear Prevention?
- Surfer’s Ear vs. Swimmer’s Ear
- Long-term Health Risks of Ignoring Surfer’s Ear
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Causes of Surfer's Ear
The main cause of surfer's ear is repeated exposure to cold water and wind.
These elements stimulate bone growth in the ear canal, narrowing the passage and trapping water.
Surfers, especially those engaging in cold water surfing, are at high risk. Winds can also drive water deeper into the ears, making protection necessary to protect ears from wind and water.
Symptoms of Surfer's Ear
These are the common symptoms of this ear:
- Gradual hearing loss
- Ear infections due to trapped water
- Pain or discomfort in the ear
- Abnormal bone growth
- Tinnitus
These symptoms are often confused with swimmer’s ear. While swimmer’s ear is an infection, a surfer's ear involves bone growth in the ear canal.
You can minimize these health risks by using the right type of ear protection before hitting the waves.
However, ignoring early symptoms can escalate health risks associated with surfing and lead to long-term hearing problems.
Best Ways to Prevent Surfer’s Ear
These safety measures can help safeguard your ears.
Dry Your Ears Thoroughly
A clean towel is the first item on the list of essential gear for surfing.
After surfing, make sure to thoroughly dry your ears with a towel to avoid moisture build-up. Drying ears after water activities reduces the risk of infection.
Wear Surfing Ear Protection
Wearing earplugs for water sports is one of the most important cold-water surfing tips.
While earplugs can significantly reduce the amount of water entering the ear canal, they cannot guarantee complete prevention.
Use Ear Sprays
Mineral oil-based ear sprays, such as Ear Pro, can be used with earplugs for additional safety. They form a water-repellant barrier inside the ear and prevent ear infections while surfing.
If you like surfing in the winter, make sure you follow these cold-water surfing safety protocols.
Earplugs vs. Ear Sprays: What’s the Best Gear for Surfer’s Ear Prevention?
When it comes to surfing ear protection, you have two main options: earplugs and ear sprays. Both offer advantages, but each has its strengths.
Earplugs for Water Sports
Custom or molded earplugs provide a snug fit, protecting your ears from cold water and wind. However, they can sometimes be uncomfortable for long sessions.
Ear Sprays
Ear sprays like Ear Pro offer a comfortable solution. They create a water-repellant barrier within the ear canal while maintaining natural ear health.
These auditory care products effectively protect your ears from wind and water.
Here’s a detailed comparison of ear plugs and ear sprays that can help you choose the ear protection that is suitable for your needs.
Surfer’s Ear vs. Swimmer’s Ear
This is the primary difference between surfer’s ear and swimmer’s ear:
- Surfer’s Ear: Caused by bone growth due to cold water exposure. It can lead to serious complications if untreated
- Swimmer’s Ear: A bacterial infection caused by trapped water. Swimmer’s ear can occur in warm or cold water
To protect your ears while surfing you should be aware of the risk factors of this water sport. Both of these conditions can be minimized through preventive care.
Long-term Health Risks of Ignoring Surfer’s Ear
Ignoring surfer's sar can lead to these long-term complications.
- Hearing Loss: The narrowing ear canal can severely impact hearing
- Frequent Infections: Trapped water increases the risk of chronic ear infections
In severe cases, surgery is required to remove the excess bone growth.
Observing water safety tips can help surfers avoid these long-term issues.
Conclusion
Surfer's ear can be avoided with proper precautions.
Alcohol-free ear sprays like Ear Pro offer excellent protection by creating a barrier in the ear canal, reducing the risk of water entrapment.
They contain natural ingredients such as mineral oil, which protect your ears while maintaining the natural pH balance.
These are the benefits of mineral oil-based sprays as a sustainable ear care solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the early symptoms of surfer’s ear?
Early symptoms include gradual hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and frequent ear infections due to trapped water.
- Can surfer’s ear go away on its own?
No, surfer’s ear does not go away on its own. It requires preventive care or medical intervention to avoid worsening.
- How long does it take for surfer’s ear to develop?
It can take several years of repeated cold water exposure for surfer’s ear to develop significantly.
- Is surgery the only solution for surfer’s ear?
In advanced cases, surgery is required to remove the bone growth, but early stages can be managed with preventive measures like ear protection.
