Surfers Ear

Discussion in 'Mid Atlantic' started by SJerzSrfr, Apr 9, 2012.

  1. SJerzSrfr

    SJerzSrfr Well-Known Member

    327
    Mar 2, 2010
    Tried a search for this but didnt find much. Im sure there are some others on here who have this. I went to the doc about a year ago for a physical and had him look at my ears due to more and more clogging over the years and he said i had a mild case of surfers ear in both ears. Surfed a super windy cold day a couple weeks ago with no hood for about 15 minutes and my ear has been clogged ever since. it got infected so i went back to the doc to got some drops and antibiotics. the infection and pain have cleared, but the clogged ear remains.

    Gonna make an appointment this week to see a specialist. Any suggestions for doctors in the south jersey area? Anyone have the surgery to correct it? If so, how did you have it done? I hear there are a couple of options- 1 being opening up the ear from behind it and going in and drilling out the growths. The second option is a newer less invasive procedure, apparently not as long of a recovery, and they go through the main canal to remove the growths. Any info you guys could pass along would be great.
     

  2. sharp eye

    sharp eye Well-Known Member

    49
    Aug 27, 2011
  3. SJerzSrfr

    SJerzSrfr Well-Known Member

    327
    Mar 2, 2010
    some great info there guys. thanks for the help.
     
  4. ritecoastsurfer3

    ritecoastsurfer3 Well-Known Member

    142
    Mar 26, 2007
    Ears

    I've been having the clogged ears for a few years now. I've been using the sticky wax ear plugs when in the water and that has helped a lot. Also, I don't take my hood down unless it's warm. The cold seems to make them worse. Now that it is warmer out, I have a lot less discomfort.
     
  5. GoodVibes

    GoodVibes Well-Known Member

    Jun 29, 2008
    I don't know man,surfing Jersey at the end of March without a hoodie on a windy day.Water temp was prob in the low 50's.Little risky gotta say.
     
  6. JTS

    JTS Well-Known Member

    231
    Feb 21, 2010
    Definitely go see an Ear Specialist, to get an accurate diagnosis -one who is familiar with surfers ear (stenosis of the external ear canal) I have had both of mine done (left around 97 - right around 2001) Originally was diagnosed with it in 1985, got bad enough to actually have to have the surgery - got to a point where I couldn't clear the water out of it. I had the older style surgery - slice the ear off, come in from back - high speed drill - 6-8 weeks out of the water. I did a lot of surfing in the 70's and 80's before hoods were as prevalent, also we didn't know as much about surfers ear then.

    I went to see quite a few Drs before I found one I felt confident with (some were clearly unfamiliar with the condition or treatment)
    Good luck
    Jim
     
  7. wallysurfr

    wallysurfr Well-Known Member

    918
    Oct 23, 2007
    this thread makes me want to wrap saran wrap around my head everytime i go in cold water!