Surfer's Ear: What Every Water Athlete Should Know About

The ocean offers an incredible way to stay active, but repeated exposure to cold water and wind can take a toll on your ears over time. Surfer's ear, also called external auditory exostosis, is a condition in which repeated exposure to cold water and wind triggers abnormal bone growth inside the ear canal. This condition affects over half of surfers at some point, making it far more common than many water athletes realize.

While Southern California's beaches may not seem especially cold, year-round surfing, paddleboarding, diving, kayaking, and other ocean sports can create enough repeated exposure to increase the risk. Read on to learn what causes surfer's ear, how to prevent it, and what minimally invasive treatment options are available with the best ENT specialist in Los Angeles.

What Causes Surfer's Ear?

Surfer's ear is the common name for external auditory exostosis, which is a condition that causes extra bone to grow inside the ear canal. This happens when the ear is repeatedly exposed to cold water and wind. The body responds by creating new bone to help protect the sensitive ear canal. Those bony growths develop slowly, often over many years, and can gradually narrow the opening of the ear canal. While surfing gave the condition its name, it can affect anyone who spends frequent time in cold or windy water environments, including paddleboarders, scuba divers, kayakers, sailors, and open-water swimmers. The amount of exposure matters, which is why people who enjoy year-round ocean activities in Southern California can still develop surfer's ear.

What’s the Difference Between Surfer’s Ear and Swimmer’s Ear?

Many people confuse surfer's ear with swimmer's ear, even though they are different conditions: 

• Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that is usually caused by trapped moisture and bacteria
• Surfer's ear is a structural change caused by bone growth

The two conditions are connected because narrowed ear canals make it easier for water to become trapped, which increases the chance of repeated ear infections. 

What are the Symptoms of Surfer's Ear?

Surfer's ear usually develops so gradually that many people do not notice a problem until the ear canal has become significantly narrower. Common early symptoms of surfer’s ear include: 

• A plugged ear that takes a long time to clear
• Muffled hearing
• Ringing in the ear, also known as tinnitus 
• A constant feeling of fullness in the ear or a feeling of pressure in the ear 

These symptoms usually become more noticeable after spending time in the water because trapped moisture has nowhere to escape. As the bone growth continues, additional symptoms pop up, including: 

• Repeated ear infections
• Ear pain
• Drainage from the ear
• Temporary hearing loss 
• Feeling like you have a foreign object in your ear

If these symptoms keep returning or seem to worsen over time, seeing the best surfer's ear surgeon in Los Angeles is the best way to prevent ongoing discomfort and reduce the risk of more serious complications.

Can Surfer's Ear be Prevented?

Anyone who spends a great deal of time in cold water or windy conditions can develop an ear problem like surfer's ear. Surfers are among the most commonly affected, though paddleboarders, kayakers, divers, sailors, and open-water swimmers also face an increased risk. Even Southern California's moderate climate does not eliminate the danger because repeated exposure over months and years can still trigger bone growth inside the ear canal. The more often someone participates in these activities, the greater the likelihood of developing the condition.

The good news is that simple habits can help protect your ears: 

• Ear protection, like well-fitting surf earplugs that are designed to reduce exposure to cold water and wind while still allowing you to hear your surroundings
• Wearing neoprene hoods during colder months is an excellent way to add protection
• Gently drying your ears and allowing trapped moisture to drain after leaving the water can also help reduce irritation

How is Surfer's Ear Diagnosed?

The best ENT doctor in Los Angeles can diagnose surfer's ear during a routine office visit by examining the ear canal with a lighted instrument called an otoscope or by using specialized equipment that provides a closer view. During the exam, an ENT can see whether bone growth is narrowing the canal and whether there are signs of trapped debris, inflammation, or infection. In many cases, imaging studies are not necessary unless surgery is being considered or another condition needs to be ruled out.

How is Surfer’s Ear Treated? 

Treatment for surfer’s ear depends on how much the narrowed ear canal affects daily life. Mild cases may only require regular monitoring, careful ear cleaning by a medical professional, and treatment for occasional ear infections. The best ENT in Los Angeles may also recommend protective earplugs and other preventive measures to reduce further cold-water exposure with the goal of managing symptoms, preventing infections, and preserving hearing for as long as possible before surgery becomes necessary.

When is Surgery Necessary for Surfer's Ear?

Surgery for surfer’s ear is usually recommended when bone growth blocks a large portion of the ear canal and causes ongoing problems like: 

• Frequent ear infections
• Ear infections so severe that they cause a ruptured eardrum
• Repeated water trapping
• Significant hearing loss or failing a hearing test
• Difficulty examining the eardrum

Micro Chisel Exostectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess bone to restore the ear canal to its normal size and improve drainage. Recovery usually takes several weeks because the ear canal needs to heal before returning to the water.

Where to Find the Best ENT Specialist in Los Angeles for Surfer’s Ear Treatment

Treatment for surfer’s ear can keep you active in the sports you enjoy. If you're dealing with trapped water in the ear, recurring ear infections, or changes in your hearing, our team can determine whether simple preventive care or a more advanced treatment is the right next step.

Dr. Payam Daneshrad is a board-certified otolaryngologist with advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, including surfer's ear. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and the Tulane University School of Medicine, he has cared for professional athletes from organizations including the Los Angeles Clippers, LAFC, the Los Angeles Sparks, and Loyola Marymount University. At our state-of-the-art clinics in Santa Monica and Torrance, we combine advanced ENT expertise with treatment plans designed to restore ear health and help our patients return to the water as safely and quickly as possible.