What is surfers ear

Exostoses present as small bony lumps within the external ear canal. These lumps are very slow growing and typically take years to develop. They develop as thin layers of bone growth due to the stimulation of cold water or air. Exostoses frequently occur in both ears; however, they can grow at different rates.

These growths do not resolve on their own; however, it often takes years before they are large enough to cause symptoms and require treatment. The normal ear canal is roughly the diameter of a pencil. Symptoms develop when the exostoses grow to the point that the diameter of the canal is substantially reduced. Early symptoms of exostosis typically include water becoming trapped in the ear when swimming, an increase in ear infections, and a gradual decrease in hearing sensitivity. The availability of better wet and dry suit protection allows individuals to swim and dive in much colder waters.

In fact, cold water surfers develop exostoses at a percent higher rate than those who surf or swim in warm water. If you participate in these activities, you can reduce your risk of developing exostoses by taking the following precautions:.

Individuals with small, asymptomatic exostoses typically do not require treatment. Individuals experiencing hearing loss, repeated infections, or pain should consult a neurotologist ear subspecialist regarding surgical removal.

There are two basic approaches to surgically removing exostoses. Other methods of prevention include wearing a hood or special headband that covers and seals the ears. Wearing ear plugs and a hood or headband together adds even more protection. Print A A A. Make an Appointment In this Section Head and Neck Cancer Services.

Audiology Center. Temporal Bone Tumor. Nose and Sinus Disorders. Spring is long gone, so why am I still sneezing? View All. If the bony growths extend close to the ear drum, the surgery is may be done from behind the ear incision behind the ear. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis patients go home the same day. The recovery period is at least a month. During this time period, water should not enter the ear canal — meaning no swimming or surfing. If ear plugs are not worn after the ear canals have healed after surgery , the bony growths can return.

It will take several years for that to occur, but it will probably occur. The best treatment is prevention. We generally avoid using the drill except for rare special cases. While in the past years, we have made an incision behind the ear, currently, it is rare that we do it from behind. It is also rare that we need to get a skin graft to cover the ear canal skin. Using the method through the ear canal and using the chisel, the normal ear canal skin is nearly always preserved so it is not necessary to get a skin graft.