Surfer’s ear is also known as exotoses or bony bulges in the ear canal.  This condition is when the bone in your ear canal grows slowly over a long period of time. These bulges occur because the ear canal bone is exposed to excessive cold water and cold air.  Surfers ear is a progressive condition, so it is best to have your ear examined by a professional if you are a regular swimmer, surfer or have any water sport (cold, wet and windy conditions) as your occupation or hobby. You may not realise you have exotoses until the condition has progressed causing constriction of your ear canal.

You may have the following symptoms if you have swimmer’s ear:

• Difficulty drying your ears

• Ear infections

• Fluctuating hearing difficulty

Protect your ears from surfer’s ear.  If you feel you have any of the symptoms noted above, contact The Art of Hearing for an ear examination and discussion about custom made ear plugs.

How are custom earplugs made?