As summer winds down and the air around us begins to cool off, many begin to make the switch of heading back indoors. While many are off getting ready for the back to school season, many seasoned surfers take advantage of the open water. Beaches here in the NYC metro area, and even on Long Island, are often filled to capacity (especially this season) during the summer months. But once summer dies down, and many are back to school and work, many still take to the beach to enjoy the surf. However, while the crowd thins out, the water temperature begins to drop as the summer fades into fall. Unfortunately, having prolonged exposure to cold wind and water can raise a person’s chance of developing surfer’s ear. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of surfer’s ear can help keep this sensitive organ healthy and functioning correctly.
Surfer’s ear, also known as exostosis, is your body’s defensive reaction to the cold. In an attempt to protect the sensitive eardrum, the body produces bony growths inside the inner ear. The bones located in the ear canal develop bony growths that don’t stop growing. In time, these growths can cause a partial or complete blockage of the ear canal. When the ear canal becomes blocked, earwax and water can become trapped within the ear, increasing the chances of an ear infection.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Symptoms can occur in one or both ears. However, symptoms are usually worse in one ear. This can happen to the prevailing wind direction or the side that most often strikes the water. Signs and symptoms of surfer’s ear include:
• Ears feel “plugged”
• Earwax, water, and other debris is difficult to remove
• Ear pain
• Increased ear infections
• Impaired hearing (temporary or ongoing)
• Hearing loss (temporary or ongoing)
What Can I Do to Prevent Surfer’s Ear?
Surfer’s ear is not limited to surfers, as this condition can also occur from any activity that involves wet, cold, and windy conditions. Partaking in diving, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and kayaking can also lead to exostosis. While avoiding surfer’s ear is easier said than done, especially if you can’t seem to pull yourself away from the water during the colder months, there are defense tactics you can employ to help fend off this condition.
• When you wear a wetsuit, invest in a wetsuit hoodie to protect your sensitive ears from the cold, wet conditions.
• While many find them uncomfortable, wearing earplugs can help protect your ears from the wind and water. So wear them!
• Sometimes, water still gets stuck in the ear canal, so be sure to use ear drops when you are done to help dry out the water within your ear.
• You can also dry your ears when you are finished with a blow dryer. If you are using a standard hairdryer, make sure you have it on the low setting. Otherwise, there are dryers explicitly designed to use on ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surfer's ear, or exostosis, is a condition where bony growths develop inside the ear canal as a protective response to prolonged exposure to cold water and wind. These growths can eventually block the ear canal, trapping water and earwax, which increases the risk of ear infections.
Symptoms typically include a feeling of plugged ears, difficulty removing earwax and water, ear pain, increased ear infections, and impaired or lost hearing—either temporary or ongoing. Symptoms usually occur in one or both ears and may be worse on the side most exposed to wind and water.
Besides surfers, anyone regularly exposed to cold, wet, and windy conditions may develop surfer's ear. This includes individuals who participate in activities like diving, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and kayaking.
To prevent surfer's ear, protect your ears from cold and water by wearing wetsuit hoodies and earplugs during water activities. Using ear drops after exposure helps dry trapped water, and gently drying ears with a blow dryer on a low setting can further reduce risk.
If left untreated, the bony growths from surfer's ear can cause partial or complete blockage of the ear canal, leading to trapped debris and infections that may impair hearing temporarily or permanently. Early detection and prevention are key to avoiding lasting damage.
Yes, wearing earplugs is an effective preventive measure because they shield the ears from cold wind and water exposure. Although some find earplugs uncomfortable, consistent use during cold water activities helps reduce the risk of developing surfer's ear.
If you experience symptoms like ear blockage, pain, or hearing difficulties, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for evaluation. Early diagnosis allows for appropriate management to prevent complications such as infections or hearing loss.