Understanding Surfer's Ear and Its Effects on the Ear Canal

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Anunya Reddy , Ent

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Surfer's ear, also called external auditory exostosis, is a condition in which abnormal bony growths develop inside the ear canal. These growths usually form after repeated exposure to cold water and cold air, causing the bone surrounding the ear canal to gradually thicken.

Surfer's ear is most common in people who regularly participate in water activities such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, and diving. Small growths may not cause symptoms, but larger growths can narrow or block the ear canal and make it difficult for water, earwax, and debris to drain normally.

What Are the Different Types of Surfer's Ear?

Surfer's ear is generally classified according to the size and extent of the bony growths inside the ear canal rather than into distinct disease types.

Mild exostosis: Small bony growths are present but cause little or no narrowing of the ear canal.
Moderate exostosis: The growths become larger and partially narrow the ear canal, which may lead to water trapping, earwax buildup, or hearing problems.
Severe exostosis: Large growths significantly narrow or nearly block the ear canal and may cause recurrent infections, hearing loss, or persistent blockage.

What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Surfer's Ear?

Small bony growths may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the growths become larger and narrow the ear canal, symptoms may develop and become more frequent.

Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
Reduced or hearing loss
Frequent ear infections
Water becoming trapped inside the ear after swimming or surfing
Ear pain or discomfort
Increased earwax buildup
Discharge from the ear if an infection develops
Ringing or other unusual sounds in the ear

If ear blockage, hearing changes, pain, or repeated ear infections occur, an ENT specialist can examine the ear canal and determine whether surfer's ear or another condition is responsible.

What Are the Causes of Surfer's Ear?

Surfer's ear develops mainly because of repeated exposure of the ear canal to cold water and cold air. This repeated exposure can stimulate abnormal bone growth along the walls of the external ear canal.

Repeated exposure to cold water
Frequent exposure to cold wind or air
Regular surfing or other cold-water activities
Long-term participation in swimming, diving, kayaking, or similar water sports

When Should You See a Doctor for Surfer's Ear?

See an ENT specialist if you develop persistent ear blockage, hearing changes, ear pain, or repeated ear infections, especially if you regularly participate in cold-water activities.

Hearing becomes reduced or muffled
Water frequently becomes trapped in the ear
You experience repeated ear infections
Ear pain or discharge develops
Earwax repeatedly becomes impacted
Symptoms continue or worsen despite routine ear care

Seek prompt medical care if you develop severe ear pain, significant hearing loss, or drainage from the ear.

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How Is Surfer's Ear Diagnosed?

Surfer's ear is usually diagnosed through an examination of the ear canal. An ENT specialist can identify the characteristic bony growths and assess how much they are narrowing the canal.

Ear Examination

The doctor uses an otoscope or another specialized instrument to examine the ear canal and eardrum. The bony growths can usually be seen during this examination.

Hearing Tests

Audiometry or other hearing tests may be performed if the growths have caused hearing changes or if the doctor needs to assess the degree of hearing loss.

Imaging Tests

CT scans are not routinely necessary but may be considered in selected cases, particularly when detailed information about the extent of the bony growths is needed before surgery.

What Are the Treatment Options for Surfer's Ear?

Treatment depends on the size of the bony growths and whether they are causing symptoms or complications. Small growths that do not cause problems may only require monitoring and prevention.

Observation and Monitoring

If the growths are small and do not interfere with hearing or ear drainage, regular monitoring may be sufficient.

Preventive Measures

Protecting the ears from cold water and wind can help reduce continued irritation and may slow the progression of surfer's ear.

Use well-fitting earplugs designed for water activities
Wear a neoprene hood or other suitable ear protection in cold conditions
Keep the ears dry after swimming or surfing
Attend follow-up appointments if recommended by an ENT specialist

Surgery

When the bony growths significantly block the ear canal or cause repeated infections, hearing loss, or persistent water trapping, surgery may be recommended. The procedure involves removing the abnormal bone to widen the ear canal.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Surfer's Ear?

The risk of developing surfer's ear increases with repeated and prolonged exposure to cold environmental conditions, particularly when the ears are frequently exposed to cold water and wind.

Frequent surfing in cold water
Regular cold-water swimming or diving
Repeated exposure to cold wind
Spending long periods in cold water
Years of participation in water sports
Not protecting the ears during cold-water activities

What Is the Recovery Process After Surfer's Ear Treatment?

Recovery after surgery for surfer's ear varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual's healing. The ear canal needs time to heal, and follow-up care is important to reduce the risk of infection and other complications.

Follow the ENT specialist's instructions for ear care
Keep the treated ear dry as advised
Use prescribed ear drops or medicines when recommended
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Avoid returning to cold-water activities until the ear has adequately healed
Continue using appropriate ear protection after recovery

How Can You Help Prevent Surfer's Ear?

Preventing repeated exposure to cold water and wind is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing or worsening surfer's ear. This is especially important for people who regularly participate in cold-water activities.

Wear appropriate earplugs while surfing, swimming, or diving
Use a neoprene hood in cold water and windy conditions
Limit prolonged exposure to very cold water when possible
Dry the outer ear carefully after water activities
Have persistent ear symptoms evaluated early

What Are the Possible Complications of Surfer's Ear?

Untreated severe surfer's ear can significantly narrow the ear canal and interfere with normal drainage. This can increase the risk of several ear-related problems.

Repeated outer ear infections
Water becoming trapped in the ear canal
Earwax buildup or impaction
Conductive hearing loss
Persistent ear discomfort
Complete or near-complete blockage of the ear canal in severe cases

Our Experience Treating Surfer's Ear

At Medicover Hospitals, our ENT specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for surfer's ear and other conditions affecting the ear canal. We assess the size and location of bony growths and evaluate their effect on hearing and ear health.

Depending on the severity, our team may recommend preventive measures, regular monitoring, or surgical treatment when necessary. We focus on personalized care to help protect hearing, prevent recurrent ear problems, and support a safe return to water activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Surfer's Ear?

Surfer's ear is abnormal bone growth in the ear canal, usually caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind.

2. What are the symptoms of Surfer's Ear?

Symptoms may include hearing loss, frequent ear infections, ear fullness, and trapped water or earwax.

3. What causes Surfer's Ear?

Repeated exposure to cold water and cold wind can stimulate abnormal bone growth in the ear canal.

4. How is Surfer's Ear diagnosed?

An ear examination with an otoscope can usually identify the characteristic bony growths. Hearing tests may also be performed.

5. How is Surfer's Ear treated?

Mild cases may only require monitoring and ear protection. Severe cases causing significant blockage or hearing problems may require surgical removal of the bone growths.