Surfer’s ear (sometimes known as swimmer’s ear) is a condition whereby the bone of the ear canal develops multiple bony growths known as exostoses. Over time, these growths can lead to a partial or complete blockage of the ear canal.
The main cause of the condition is prolonged exposure to cold water, which is why it’s prevalent among surfers. It has also been known to affect swimmers, divers, kayakers, and sailors.
In this blog, we’ve taken a closer look at what surfer’s ear is, how it can be treated, and what you can do to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
If you suspect that you’ve developed surfer’s ear, contact the helpful team at Melbourne Audiology Centre today.
Symptoms of Surfer’s Ear
While surfer’s ear is typically asymptomatic, it tends to cause secondary complaints as a result of the ear canal narrowing, including:
- Hearing loss
- Recurrent infections
- Otorrhea (ear drainage)
- A sensation of aural fullness
- Cerumen impaction (earwax blockage)
- Water retention
Some people experience pain in the ear canal, but this is a result of an infection or blockage rather than the exostoses themselves (which are actually not painful).
A common early sign that you may be developing surfer’s ear is finding that water remains trapped in your ears after a surf or swimming session.
Diagnosing Surfer’s Ear
The only way to diagnose surfer’s ear is by having the ear canal examined for the presence of exostoses. They are generally firm, bony, and nodular in appearance and multiple growths will be present.
Your history will be vital in coming to a diagnosis, as exostoses can be difficult to distinguish from other growths (such as osteomas, aural polyps, and tumours). Letting your audiologist know if you spend prolonged periods exposed to cold water or wind will assist with a diagnosis.
A CT scan may be ordered to better examine the exostoses; however, this is usually only done during surgery preparations.
Treatment for Surfer’s Ear
In its early stages, medical management of surfer’s ear involves regular cleanings to remove any trapped earwax and debris. If you’re able to prevent the growth from getting bigger, no further action will be required.
Unfortunately, exostoses are irreversible and the only way to effectively treat the condition is to have the growths surgically removed (however, this is generally only recommended when more than 80% of the canal is blocked).
Preventing Surfer’s Ear
The good news is that surfer’s ear is a completely preventable condition. There are several things you can do to lessen your chances of developing it, including:
- Wearing ear plugs if regularly exposed to cold water (such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, and diving)
- Wearing a hooded wetsuit or special headband that covers and seals the ears while in the water
- Having regular ear exams, which can catch the condition early and guide future prevention strategies
Surfer’s Ear is Not the End of Your Surfing Career
If you have developed surfer’s ear, you’ll be pleased to know that the prognosis is good and you will be able to return to your usual activities even if surgery is required.
Concerned that surfer’s ear is something you’ve developed over the years? Pay a visit to one of our experienced audiologists today to discuss your concerns and have your ear canals thoroughly examined.
