Surfer’s Ear: When Your Love for the Waves Gives You Extra Bone (Yes, Really)
If you’re one of those lucky salties who get their adrenaline fix from chasing waves, then you already know the ocean can be both your best friend and your biggest challenge. From reef cuts to wipeouts, there’s a lot that surfers put up with. But there’s one silent stowaway that many water lovers don’t see coming—Surfer’s Ear.
Wait, Surfer’s Ear? That sounds kind of cool. Like some secret badge of honour you get after enough hours in the water. Unfortunately, it’s less of a brag and more of a bummer.
What Exactly is Surfer’s Ear?
Surfer’s ear is the casual name for external auditory exostosis—a condition where bony growths form inside the ear canal. Think of it like your ear trying to build a little fortress against the cold. Every time you expose your ears to chilly wind and cold water, your body goes, “Oh no! Better build some extra bone in here to protect things!”
And over time, it really does. These growths slowly narrow your ear canal, making it harder for water and wax to drain properly. Cue ear infections, muffled hearing, and eventually, possibly hearing loss. Fun, right?
Who’s at Risk?
Despite the name, Surfer’s Ear isn’t exclusive to surfers. It affects kayakers, divers, kitesurfers, open-water swimmers, and really anyone who spends regular time in cold, windy or wet conditions.
But surfers are definitely the poster kids. Why? Because they’re often in and out of cold water, exposed to wind, and spending long hours in the elements with nothing but a wetsuit and a dream.
And before you warm-water surfers start relaxing, don’t get too comfy. Surfer’s ear can still happen in warmer waters—it just tends to develop more slowly. The more time you spend in the sea, the higher your risk.
Symptoms: Or, “Why Can’t I Hear the Waves Anymore?”
Here’s the sneaky bit: Surfer’s Ear often develops without you even noticing. It can take years before the symptoms kick in, and by then, the bone growths may already be substantial.
Common signs include:
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Frequent ear infections
- Trapped water that won’t drain
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
If it gets bad enough, some folks need surgery to drill out the bony growths. And yes, that’s as uncomfortable as it sounds.
Good News: It’s Totally Preventable!
The best treatment for Surfer’s ear? Avoiding it altogether is the best course of action.
Prevention is pretty simple: keep cold water and wind out of your ears. That’s where a good pair of surf earplugs comes in. But we’re not talking about just any plugs. You want something designed for the water—like our Alpine SurfSafe Earplugs.
These aren’t your average foam plugs. Alpine SurfSafe is designed and built for surfers, swimmers, and all water lovers.
Alpine SurfSafe;
- Block out water, wind, and cold
- Still let you hear important sounds (like your buddy yelling “Go left!” or “Shark!”)
- Fit comfortably, even under a wetsuit hood or helmet
- Are reusable, washable, and designed to last
They’re also made using Alpine’s award-winning Dutch acoustic filter technology—because your ears deserve the best, even if they’re full of sand half the time.
Why Bother? Isn’t Ear Surgery Quick These Days?
Sure, there’s surgery. But recovery can be slow and painful, and you might be out of the water for weeks or even months. Plus, it’s not a one-and-done deal—if you go back to surfing without protection, the bone can grow back. Yep. Again.
Wearing earplugs is a small habit that makes a huge difference. Kind of like wearing sunscreen: do it consistently, and your future self will thank you.
The Bottom Line
- Surfer’s Ear = bone growth in your ear from cold water & wind
- It can cause hearing loss and infections, and won’t go away on its own
- It’s totally preventable with the right ear protection
- Alpine SurfSafe Earplugs are comfy, clever, and made for water lovers
Protect your ears. Surf longer. Hear the good times.
