Ear Aches and Surfing in the Cold

There have been several threads created about people having sinus issues after surfing, and the ear infection problems usually fall in the same category. Do a forum search "sinus" (click the search link on the blue toolbar above).

The other thing though to watch out for is "surfers ear"... Where you get a bony growth in your ear from surfing cold waters. This happens to a lot of us cold water surfers, and can be pretty serious, causing water to get trapped in the ears leading to infections.

Best thing to do is wear ear plugs. I hate wearing them, but helps with sinus and ear problems, so it is just a matter of getting used to them. Especially if you want to avoid the "surfers ear" surgery, which I've heard is not too fun and will put you out of the water for some time.

 

I have the same problem, once I get water in my ears, I'm done. Get Doc's Pro Plugs.
They're vented so you can still hear. And they are comfortable.

You have to get "fitted" for the proper size. Some surf shops and almost all dive shops have them.

 

Ive been there...you may be in the early stages of surfer's ear. The next phase will be ear pain even in the summer, and more frequently, and you will eventually go for days without hearing in whichever ear is infected.

The Silicon putty plugs (mack's is the brand i use) ARE effective if you can keep them in your ears for an entire session. I also keep prescription ear antibiotics, and anti inflammaatory drop on hand and have to break them out once or twice a year when infections occur. I find that breaking the silicone lumps in half and forming smaller plugs to fit me better. I didnt like Doc Pro Plugs, but they are a better solution with the pinhole to hear through if you can get them to fit (i personally couldnt) Wearing a hood all winter is now mandatory for me.

 

ya, I like the Mack's plugs as well.

Docs Pro Plugs are great, because you can hear better with them. But, they would come out on me a lot, and I would lose them, even with the little leash thing they have.

Also, some other advice is to put a mix of alcohol/vinegar in your ears after each session. Vinegar will kill bacteria and Alcohol with dry the ears.

Do a forum search and you will find other threads about this.

 

Just out of curiosity, did you surf in Va beach this past weekend?
I surfed around 35th st and checked all of the over crowded spots and noticed the beach had that nasty a$$ed dredgy smell where they are setting up for the boardwalk xmas light extravaganza.
Like others have suggested in recent posts you may want to start using a netti pot every time you get home from surfing. This will definately help along with earplugs. I sometimes use the wax packets that they carry at rite aid for people with braces; you just roll them up and stick em in your ears. They're like 2$ for a box.

 

I went and it was a lot of fun, a little out of control on Sat but Sun was about perfect until high tide.

I asked about this past weekend to see if it was tied into your ears bothering you. The water had a real funky smell and figured you had gotten a sinus or ear infection from it.

Like I mentioned before try the netti pot or something similiar with the earplugs and hopefully your problems will go away.

 

just go see your primary doctor or ENT doctor and have them check out your ears...