Longtime surfers on the West Coast are more prone to a condition called Surfer’s Ear, a condition in which bony growths appear in the ear canal, blocking the eardrum. If the bony growths—called exostosis–block most of the ear canal, infections can develop and cause earaches and hearing loss. Very often, there is a persistent feeling of fullness, like the ear is “plugged,” after getting out of the water.
It is believed that the ear canal’s repeated exposure to cold water and wind stimulates the bone growths that narrow the canal and block the eardrum. Surfers and swimmers ears are particularly at risk because they spend long hours in the water.
Surfers should be sure to protect their ears by wearing earplugs while they are in the water. Not only will this help protect your ears from the cold water thought to cause exostosis, but it can help prevent ear infections caused by the poor quality water sometimes found off Southern California beaches.