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A recent study showed that about 80% of Australian Surfers have one thing in common \u2013 they suffer from External Auditory Exostosis (EAE) or surfer\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n
Some of them experience decreased hearing or partial hearing loss. Others go through an increased prevalence of ear infections, causing ear pain \u2013 all of which are the most common symptoms of this ear condition.<\/p>\n
But, what is a surfer\u2019s ear?<\/p>\n
Does the name suggest it affects only those who are into this popular sport?<\/p>\n
If you haven\u2019t heard about it (hopefully not because you have a surfer\u2019s ear) and are a thalassophile, it would be a good idea to read through this guide to arm yourself with awareness as you hit the beach.<\/p>\n
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Surfer\u2019s ear is not to be confused with the swimmer\u2019s ear. These conditions are totally different from each other. Surfer\u2019s ear or Exostosis is what comes of abnormal and benign bone growth in the ear canal. Swimmer\u2019s ear or otitis externa, on the other hand, is the inflammation of the ear canal.<\/p>\n
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But how does surfer\u2019s ear come about?<\/p>\n
Our ear canals have about the diameter similar to a #2 pencil. With a surfer\u2019s ear, exostoses or bony outgrowths of the external auditory canal can taper that space severely. These bones are called Osteomas. They can be small, large and may have a wide variety of shapes.<\/p>\n
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The worst it can get is an immense growth that can close the canal entirely. When this happens, these pearl-like bones can interfere with the natural ventilation and drainage of the external ear. The blockage could result in trapping water or debris in the ear canal.<\/p>\n
Why do exostoses or bony outgrowths happen? These bony growths are the ear\u2019s defence mechanism to keep the foul weather out of the ear canals. This occurrence happens because the ears are too smart for their own good.<\/p>\n
Prolonged exposure to wet, cold, and breezy conditions causes bony growths to develop, layer by layer until you end up having more bone growths in your ear than the size of your ear canal. The occurrence that is supposed to be a mechanism for protecting the eardrum grows into an ear condition instead.<\/p>\n
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Surfers are frequently exposed to windy and wet conditions, thus the name surfer\u2019s ear. But, it can also occur to sailors or ocean water swimmers too. The rate of bone progressing depends on exposure. The lower the temperature and the more frequent the exposure, the more steadfast it develops. However, the condition still varies from person to person.<\/p>\n
Do you get them from bathing or showering?<\/p>\n
No. Luckily, it does not happen when the average patient\u2019s ears are exposed to shower or bathwater.<\/p>\n
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The symptoms of Exostosis differ per case. Some may experience an ear infection early on, while others fail to recognize they have it all along. Studies show that early stages of exostoses frequently do not result in any symptoms.<\/p>\n
However, as the osteomas expand, they stuff the external ear canal and confine water. Trapped water leads to external otitis or ear infection. When this happens, it alters the shape of the ear canal. The result could range from conductive hearing loss to ear pains.<\/p>\n
Generally, one ear will be, to some extent, worse than the other because of the prevailing wind direction of the location surfed. It may also be the side that strikes the wave first every so often. The decrease in hearing or hearing loss may be temporary or ongoing.<\/p>\n
Other symptoms listed are increased prevalence of ear infections, ear pains, trouble in removing debris or water from the ear, or plugging sensation.<\/p>\n
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The fact that the condition is called surfer\u2019s ear says a lot about how it significantly affects people who are into surfing. Exostosis\u2019 prevalence among surfers is at 60 to 80% as of 2017<\/a>.<\/p>\n Modern wetsuits are now highly improved and enhanced; therefore, it made individuals more comfortable spending more time in colder environments. With this technology is the side effect that developed in the surfer\u2019s ear. <\/p>\n