For anyone who loves to catch waves, the ocean offers more than just a thrill—it comes with risks, too. One often overlooked but important condition is surfer's ear, a risk for cold water surfers and anyone exposed to cold water or wind over extended periods. This condition is commonly associated with exposure to cold water, but it can also result from repeated exposure to the cold wind. Let’s take a deeper dive into what surfer's ear is, its symptoms, how it develops, and what you can do to protect your ears from this progressive condition.

What Is a Surfer's Ear?

Surfer's ear is a condition that affects the external ear canal. It occurs when abnormal bone growth forms in response to frequent cold water exposure. Over time, the body’s protective mechanism triggers the formation of bony growths (also known as exostoses) in the ear canal, narrowing the passageway. This process is your body’s attempt to protect the ear from the cold environment.

However, this bone growth can eventually cause conductive hearing loss, as it blocks sound from reaching the eardrum. Surfer’s ear isn’t limited to surfers; anyone who regularly participates in water sports or spends long periods in cold water is at risk, including swimmers, divers, and paddlers.

For more on ear care, explore our guide on ear health.

How Surfer's Ear Develops

The external auditory canal is naturally exposed to the elements, but prolonged or frequent exposure to cold water or windy conditions can lead to the development of ear exostoses. The condition doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s a slow and progressive process that happens after repeated exposure to cold wind or water.

Here’s how the condition unfolds:

1. Cold Water Exposure

When you’re exposed to cold water, whether surfing or swimming, your body reacts by trying to protect the sensitive ear canal. Over time, the external auditory canal begins to develop bony growths. These are essentially an abnormal response to the conditions your ears are subjected to, creating a natural but problematic barrier to the normal functioning of your ear canal.

For more information about water temperature effects, visit our blog on wax removal methods.

2. Repeated Exposure to Wind and Water

As this exposure continues—especially in colder waters or windy conditions—the bony growths (exostoses) start to accumulate and can block the ear canal. In extreme cases, they may grow large enough to completely obstruct the passageway, trapping debris, water, or wax inside, leading to infections and hearing loss.

The process is directly proportional to how often you’re exposed to these elements. The more you engage in cold water activities like surfing or swimming, the higher your risk of developing this condition.

Explore our guide on earwax removal for more tips on keeping your ears healthy.

Surfer’s Ear Symptoms

At first, surfer’s ear may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the bony growths continue to grow in the outer ear canal, symptoms can gradually develop. Here are some signs to watch out for:

1. Hearing Loss

One of the first signs of surfer’s ear is difficulty hearing, often accompanied by a feeling of blocked ears. As the bone growth narrows the ear canal, sound can’t pass through as easily. This condition is known as conductive hearing loss.

2. Ear Pain

Ear pain may occur if the exostoses start pressing against the ear canal, causing irritation. This discomfort is most noticeable during water exposure or after getting water trapped in the ear.

3. Trapped Water

Since the narrowing of the ear canal can trap water and debris, the condition is often accompanied by water retention inside the ear. This increases the risk of infections like otitis externa (swimmer’s ear), where the ear canal becomes inflamed due to bacteria or fungi.

4. Infections

If the ear canal becomes blocked with debris or water, it can lead to frequent infections. This makes the ear more susceptible to otitis externa and other complications. The trapped moisture creates an environment where bacteria can thrive.

5. Ringing or Tinnitus

As the condition progresses, some may experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a common side effect of hearing loss caused by exposure to cold wind or water activities.

If you’re concerned about ear infections, visit our guide on how to clean your ears safely.

Prevention: How to Protect Your Ears

The best way to prevent surfer’s ear is to reduce exposure to the cold elements that cause it. Here are some effective ways to protect your ears:

1. Wear Earplugs

Earplugs, particularly silicone earplugs, are a simple yet highly effective way to protect your ears from cold water and wind. These plugs can help prevent the external auditory canal from becoming irritated and prevent the onset of bony growths. If you’re a frequent cold water surfer or swimmer, consider investing in custom-made earplugs for a more secure fit.

Additionally, you can pair earplugs with wetsuit hoods to provide added protection against the cold. Wetsuit technology has evolved to offer effective solutions for surfers who face constant exposure to cold water.

Learn more about earplugs and other ear care tools on our product page.

2. Limit Exposure

As much as possible, try to limit the amount of time you spend in cold water. If you’re in the water for long periods, take breaks on the beach to warm up your body and prevent long-term exposure to the cold.

3. Keep Ears Dry

After surfing or swimming, it’s important to thoroughly dry your ears. Trapped water in the ear canal can contribute to infections. Use a towel to gently dry the outer ear canal, or consider using ear drops designed to help dry out excess moisture in the ear canal.

4. Regular Ear Checks

If you’re a frequent surfer or swimmer, it’s a good idea to have your ears checked regularly by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis of exostoses can prevent the condition from worsening. Catching the problem early on can prevent it from leading to more serious issues, like conductive hearing loss.

For tips on cleaning your ears after water exposure, visit our home ear wax removal guide.

Treatment Options for Surfer’s Ear

If you’ve already developed surfer’s ear, it’s important to understand the treatment options available. Early-stage exostoses can often be managed with preventive care, but more severe cases may require medical intervention.

1. Non-Surgical Treatment

In its early stages, the condition can be managed with ear drops to treat infections or inflammation, as well as regular ear cleaning to remove trapped debris. It’s also important to continue protecting your ears from further damage by wearing earplugs.

2. Surgical Treatment

If bony growths become large enough to obstruct the ear canal and lead to hearing loss or recurring infections, surgery may be required. The procedure involves making an incision in the ear canal to remove the exostoses and restore normal function. Most patients who undergo this procedure experience significant relief, though there are some complications to consider, such as the risk of infection or damage to the ear canal.

Learn more about the Eddy Ear Wax Removal Device and how it can help you maintain healthy ears on our product page.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience ear pain, hearing loss, or frequent infections, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Surfer’s ear can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. An audiologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) can help assess the severity of the condition and recommend the best course of action.

Conclusion: Protect Your Ears and Keep Surfing!

Surfer’s ear is a common condition for those who spend a lot of time in cold water or windy conditions, but it’s also highly preventable. By wearing earplugs, limiting exposure to cold water, and keeping your ears dry, you can avoid the risks associated with ear exostoses. If you’re already dealing with the condition, early detection and treatment options, such as surgery, can help restore normal hearing and prevent further complications.

Remember, your ears are precious, and protecting them is key to enjoying water sports for years to come. So, whether you’re hitting the surf or swimming in cold waters, take the steps needed to protect your external ear canal—your future self will thank you!

For more ear care products and tips, visit our Auracle website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does surfing damage your ears?

Surfer’s ear can develop from long-term exposure to cold water and wind. The bony growths in the ear canal are a protective mechanism in response to this exposure. If left untreated, it can lead to hearing loss. Wearing earplugs or wetsuit hoods can help prevent damage.

How long do ear bumps last?

Ear bumps caused by surfer’s ear can last for weeks or months. Early-stage growths may be small and painless, but as the exostoses grow, they can cause more noticeable discomfort and hearing problems. If ear pain persists, it’s time to consult a specialist.

How do I stop hearing waves in my ear?

Hearing waves or water retention in the ear can be uncomfortable. The best way to treat this is by tilting your head to allow the water to drain, using ear drops, or seeking professional treatment if the condition persists.

How to treat smelly ear wax?

If your ear wax smells, it could indicate an infection. Ear drops can help remove excess wax and prevent further irritation. If you notice infection symptoms, such as pain or swelling, seek medical attention.