Ear Plugs

[Papa Bear]

SURFER'S EAR (exostosis) is found among salt water enthusiasts, usually males aged 20-39. Possibly due to cold water, the bony portion of the external canal becomes thickened and eventually creates a knob-like projection. Over time, several of these growths may close the ear canal causing significant hearing loss. The condition is painless and may go unnoticed for a number of years until hearing loss becomes obvious. Surgical correction by a specialist may be necessary to restore normal hearing.

There seems to be more study needed, because it maybe in our genes, and it maybe because of the rush of blood to the area due to the cold. If you wear a hood it traps water and your body warms it so that the ear does not flush with blood to warm its self. So wear a hood and you shouldn't have a problem!

[hbh2oguard]

Dude, you need to read what it says! "Older Surfers" exposed to cold water and wind for prolonged periods. The outer channel closes down collecting wax build up and increasing infection risk! Again get a hood and a new doctor! One who dives would be best, if you need one let me know! A good hood will trap water and warm it and it surly cuts down on wind!

And right above that:
Medically known as "exostosis of the external auditory canal", surfer's ear is caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind. Cooling of the ear canal stimulates bone growth that narrows the canal and blocks the eardrum. This narrowing traps water and earwax in the canal, often resulting in painful ear infections and hearing loss.

The outer layer closes down due to bone growth which then will collect wax leading to increased risks of infection. Sure a hood will help but cool water is still getting to the ears so that's why ear plugs (which blocks the water) and a hood (insulation) is best.

[hbh2oguard]

There seems to be more study needed, because it maybe in our genes, and it maybe because of the rush of blood to the area due to the cold. If you wear a hood it traps water and your body warms it so that the ear does not flush with blood to warm its self. So wear a hood and you shouldn't have a problem!

The scary part is that I'm at the very very beginning of the age range. My dad, who is much old and has been in the ocean his whole life has no growth so not too convinced about the genes part. Again, I fully agree a hood will help but it isn't the best solution.

[Papa Bear]

Well all I can tell you is that I have spent 53 of my 56 years in the waters of Southern California! Surfing and Diving and I don't have anything like "Surfers Ear" so there you go! I always wear a hood diving, but have never wore ear plugs or a hood surfing! So from what I have read it is the flush of the cold water in "Some" People that "May" cause a problem. Ear plugs won't keep the outer ear any warmer than a well fitting hood. If the water is cold at first it is not "prolonged" exposer to cold water. It is short and warms quickly from my experience. But if you feel it works for you then go for it, it won't hurt, even though it might not help! Good luck and go diving in warm water, its better all around, but you can still get infections! I know Don't forget the ear beer!

[BamaCaveDiver]

I apologize as I read surfer's ear and thought swimmer's ear; this is the first I have ever heard of such a condition (I did grow up surfing, but it was in FL.) It does not sound like a fun condition, so I wish you the best with finding a workable prevention.

As I said, I have met a couple of folks who have tried the Doc's ProPlugs and found them to work satisfactorily, while meeting several others who cursed the things. They might be worth giving a try; best advice I can think of is to contact an ENT (or whatever specialty this relates to) that has a thorough knowledge of dive related issues (DAN could probably recommend someone, have you tried contacting them?).

Since the condition can trap water and lead to infection, I would still opt for the ear beer both before and after the dives. It may not treat the condition specifically, but it can still help control some of the nasties that the condition facilitates.

I do hope you find a solution that works for you.

[hbh2oguard]

Good luck and go diving in warm water, its better all around, but you can still get infections! I know Don't forget the ear beer!

Well thanks but I don't see any warm water in the future. In fact it's just getting colder since I'm now going to school in northern/central Ca. I will have to brew up a batch of ear beer today.

[hbh2oguard]

Bama I'll have to give DAN a call and see what they say. I guess I'll give ear plugs a shot to see how they work.

[DPP Santa Cruz]

Hi

Exostosis occurs from repetitive exposures to water cooler than body temperature and skin cooled by evaporation. The severe narrowing of the canal by exostosis is the way the body naturally reacts to protect the eardrum and inner sensitive ear parts from the cold.
When you are entering the water with the vented proplugs, you are entering the water with a canal full of warm air which already puts you in a less stressful mindset without the discomfort of cold water in your canal and pain of cold water on your eardrum. Hope this clarifies some things.

Cheers;

www.proplugs.com

[DPP Santa Cruz]

... I also wanted to add that because there are eight premolded sizes ranging from tiny to xx-l. Sizing is perhaps the one catch to these earplugs as a snug and tight fit is needed. Make sure to check if your local dive shop carries them, they will have a fitting kit with the eight sizes and some alcohol wipes so that you can try them on. If they don't have your size, just get in touch with me.

Cheers;