Article by Hearing Partners, contributed by Benjamin Yeap, Senior Clinical Audiologist at Hearing Partners
Exostoses are the formation of new bone on the surface of a bone. When exostoses occur in the ear canal, they cause a condition known as “surfer’s ear”. These growths generally occur in both ears and are a result of repeated exposure to cold water and wind. Surfers, swimmers, and divers are particularly prone to this condition, giving rise to the name “surfer’s ear”.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of surfer’s ear. We’ll also outline some methods of diagnosis and the available treatment options.
Symptoms of Surfer’s Ear
While some individuals may not experience noticeable signs, others may encounter difficulty draining water out of their ears. This could lead to the following symptoms as the condition progresses:
- Infection in the ear canal
- A sensation of fullness in the ears
- Ear pain
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss
Causes of Surfer’s Ear
While the exact cause of exostoses remains unknown, a significant risk factor is the frequent exposure of the ear canal to cold water. Irritation from exposure to cold wind and water can cause the development of new bony growths in the bone surrounding the ear canal.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to this condition, especially those who regularly engage in water sports such as surfing, kayaking, sailing, and diving. These sports often involve extended exposure to cold wind and water, increasing the risk of developing surfer’s ear.
Diagnosing Surfer’s Ear
To diagnose exostoses, a thorough medical history and a physical examination of the ear will be conducted. During the physical exam, the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist will inspect your ear canal using an otoscope, looking for any bony growths or other abnormalities.
In addition to a physical examination, hearing tests may be performed to assess any hearing loss associated with the condition. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, might also be conducted to obtain a detailed view of the ear canal and surrounding structures, allowing your doctor to evaluate the extent of the exostoses.
Treatment for Surfer’s Ear
In many cases, small exostoses do not require treatment and may not cause any major hearing issues. In more major cases, the growths may start to block the ear canal, leading to hearing impairment. The narrowing of the ear canal can also cause water and wax to be trapped, leading to infections in the ear canal.
Outside of symptom relief, surgical intervention is the only way to remove the bony growths. The bone will need to be drilled off and removed from the ear canal. Recovery from surgery takes at least one month. During this time, it’s crucial to keep water out of the ear canal using swim plugs, such as during showers or baths, to prevent infection.
FAQs About Surfer’s Ear
Can I prevent surfer’s ear?
The best way to prevent exostoses is to reduce exposure of the ear canal to cold or windy conditions. This can be through the usage of swim plugs or wetsuit hoods to keep the ear canal as warm and dry as possible when participating in water sports, or by reducing activity during cold or windy conditions.
Additionally, scheduling regular ear exams can help detect any early signs of the condition, allowing for timely intervention.
What is the difference between surfer’s ear and swimmer’s ear?
Surfer’s ear refers to bony growths that develop in the ear canal due to repeated exposure to cold water and wind. This condition typically affects those frequently engaged in water sports, potentially leading to discomfort, hearing impairment and other complications over time.
In contrast, swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal often caused by bacteria or fungi. This condition can lead to pain, itching, and inflammation, and is generally treatable with antibiotics, unlike surfer’s ear, which may require surgery for severe cases.