Who Is at Risk for Surfer’s Ear?
Many folk are prone to Surfer’s ear, but in particular if you are one of the following you should take precaution to minimise the risk of Surfer’s Ear:
- Surfers, swimmers, kayakers, divers, and sailors.
- People living in coastal or cold-water areas.
- Individuals who spend long hours in cold, windy environments.
- People with a Progressive Condition: Surfer’s ear is a progressive condition, so people who have been exposed to cold water for many years are more likely to develop it. Therefore, older individuals who have spent decades surfing or engaging in water sports are at a higher risk, simply because of their prolonged exposure.
How Surfer’s Ear Differs from Swimmer’s Ear
Some folk confuse surfer’s ear with swimmer’s ear, but there are definite differences:
- Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal, often caused by water remaining in the ear, leading to bacterial growth. (Do you experience blocked ears after swimming?)
- Surfer’s ear is a structural change (bone growth) in response to cold water, and may not always result in infections.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Surfer’s Ear
The long-term effects of untreated surfer’s ear can lead to several serious complications. These include:
- Complete Blockage of the Ear Canal – Over time, the bone growth (exostosis) can completely obstruct the ear canal, making it difficult for sound to reach the eardrum. This leads to a significant reduction in hearing.
- Permanent Hearing Loss – Chronic obstruction and infections can damage the eardrum or other parts of the ear, leading to permanent hearing loss, particularly if left untreated for an extended period.
- Frequent Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) – The narrowed ear canal traps water, wax, and debris, creating a moist environment that encourages bacterial growth. This can result in chronic ear infections, which become more difficult to treat over time.
- Chronic Pain and Discomfort – Persistent infections and pressure from bone growth can cause ongoing pain and discomfort, making it difficult to wear earplugs or continue with water activities.
- Difficulty Wearing Hearing Aids – People with exostosis may struggle to wear hearing aids or other assistive devices due to the narrow ear canal, complicating any attempts to correct hearing loss.
- Balance Issues – Severe cases of untreated exostosis may affect the inner ear’s ability to regulate balance, leading to dizziness or vertigo in some individuals.
- Increased Risk of Surgery – As bone growth becomes more advanced, surgical intervention (canalplasty) becomes necessary. Untreated cases often lead to more complex surgeries, longer recovery times, and higher risks of recurrence.
- Need for Repeated Surgeries – If surfer’s ear is untreated and the individual continues cold water exposure, bone growth may return after surgery, requiring multiple operations over a lifetime.
Got Blocked Ears From Swimming or Surfing?
Surfers and Swimmers may suffer from certain ear conditions and issues such as a build-up of sand, dry shedding skin, ear wax, or water trapped behind ear wax. Most of these issues can be resolved or maintained with microsuction and an appropriate management regime.
You deserve functioning ears that don’t hurt, and we can help make sure you have them. If you’re worried about exostosis or already need surfer’s ear infection treatment, contact Ear Cleaning Clinic today and speak with someone on our staff who can tell you more about the solutions we offer. We also provide a variety of treatment for children. We’ll be happy to answer your questions or set up an appointment with you so that you can go back to feeling like your best self.
Ear Wax Removal by Microsuction
Our Registered Nurses have over a decade of experience clearing ears using the latest micro-suction technology. We can chat with you how best to manage Surfer’s ear and clean your ears of wax and sandy debris build up. Book a ear wax removal appointment with us today.
