Surfer's Ear (Exostoses)

 

Surfer’s Ear (External Auditory Canal Exostoses)

What Is Surfer’s Ear?
Surfer’s Ear, medically known as External Auditory Canal Exostoses, occurs when bone starts growing abnormally inside the bony part of the ear canal. This happens because repeated cold exposure—like cold water or wind—triggers the bone lining the ear canal to produce new growths.

These bony lumps can narrow the canal, trapping water and debris deeper inside. Left untreated, they may eventually block the canal entirely, leading to recurrent infections and hearing loss.

Causes of Surfer’s Ear

Surfer’s Ear develops gradually, mostly in people exposed to cold water over long periods. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict and then widen, increasing blood flow to the ear canal. This ongoing irritation activates cells that produce bone, leading to new bone growth.

It commonly presents at the age of 30 to 40 but can become toublesome later in life too. Without intervention, continued cold exposure makes the condition progressively worse.

Symptoms to Watch For

Surfer’s Ear often goes unnoticed at first because it’s typically painless. Early signs might include:

  • A feeling of fullness in the ear

  • Recurring ear infections

  • Hearing loss

  • Water getting stuck in the ear, causing a blocked or irritated sensation

If youhave experienced these symptoms, a physical examination, including an otoscopy, can confirm whether exostoses are present.

Potential Risks

One of the first clues to Surfer’s Ear is frequent ear infections, such as otitis externa (Swimmer’s Ear). These infections can cause pain, itching, and discharge, and may temporarily reduce hearing.

Other risks include:

  • Impacted earwax: Narrowing of the ear canal disrupts the ear’s natural cleaning process, leading to wax build-up and possible hearing loss.

  • Progressive worsening: Without treatment, ongoing exposure to cold conditions can make bone growth more severe.

When symptoms develop, it is important to seek treatment to prevent further complications and preserve hearing.

When to Seek Help

If you are dealing with ear fullness, infections, or hearing changes and spend time in cold water, do not wait. Surfer’s Ear tends to worsen over time, and early treatment can make a significant difference.

Make an appointment with our Specialist Otologists, Dr Michel Neeff, or Dr Tanja Jelicic to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.

 

Canalplasty for Exostoses Removal: Restore Your Hearing and Comfort

If you suffer from exostoses, or “surfer’s ear,” you know how it can affect your hearing and overall ear health. Exostoses are bony growths that form in the ear canal, often due to repeated exposure to cold water or wind. These growths can narrow or block the ear canal, leading to discomfort, infections, water trapping, and hearing loss.

What is Canalplasty?

Canalplasty is a specialized surgical procedure performed by a specialised, advanced Otologist to remove exostoses and restore the natural shape and function of the ear canal. This procedure involves precisely reshaping and widening the ear canal to remove bony growths, improving airflow and drainage while relieving symptoms like ear pressure and hearing loss.

Why Choose Canalplasty?

  • Effective Exostoses Removal: Canalplasty directly addresses the root cause of ear canal blockages by safely removing bony growths.

  • Restore Hearing: Clearing the ear canal can significantly improve hearing, especially if exostoses have obstructed sound transmission.

  • Prevent Future Complications: Canalplasty helps reduce the risk of future infections, water trapping, and other ear health issues.

  • Long-lasting Results: Once the growths are removed, patients experience significant relief and enjoy long-term improvement in symptoms.

How is Canalplasty Performed?

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your ears and tailor the surgical approach to your individual needs.

  • The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes around 90 minutes to two hours.

  • Advanced surgical equipment, including a specialised operating microscopes, micro-drills, and specialized chisels, is used to carefully remove the bony growths while preserving the delicate skin lining of the ear canal.

  • In the majority of cases, the ear canal is accessed through a small incision behind the ear. Exceptionally, and for suitable candidates with minor exostoses only, the procedure can be performed entirely through the ear canal, avoiding any external incision. 

  • Throughout the surgery, your surgeon takes great care to protect surrounding structures such as the jaw, eardrum, and facial nerve.

Recovery After Canalplasty

  • Same-Day Discharge: Most patients can go home about 3–4 hours after surgery.

  • Dressings: The ear canal will remain packed with antibiotic and antiseptic dressing for the first two to three weeks. At your first post-operative appointment, this dressing is removed, the ear suctioned and antibiotic ointment applied.

  • Ongoing Care: Weekly or two-weekly cleaning will continue until the ear canal has healed, typically 6–8 weeks after surgery.

  • Water Activities: Water sports and swimming are usually safe after 8 weeks, though some patients may return to these activities as early as 4 weeks, depending on their healing and the extent of surgery.

  • Driving and Travel:

    • Do not drive within 24 hours after surgery.

    • You can fly a day after your procedure.

  • Keep the Ear Dry: Avoid getting water in your ear until your surgeon advises it is safe.

Post-Operative Self-Care

  • Remove the head bandage the morning after surgery.

  • Change the cotton wool at the entrance of the ear canal as often as it stains with blood.

  • When washing your hair:

    • Place a cotton ball coated with Vaseline to block your ear canal.

    • Or you could use a shower cap for extra protection.

  • Keep the ear dry until your surgeon confirms it is safe to get it wet.

Is Canalplasty Right for You?

If you are dealing with discomfort, hearing issues, or repeated infections due to exostoses, canalplasty may be the solution you will require. To find out if you’re a good candidate, schedule a consultation with one of our advanced Otologists. We will carefully evaluate your condition and discuss the best treatment options tailored to your needs.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

 

What are exostoses (Surfer's Ear)?

  • Exostosis is a condition where bony growths develop in the ear canal. 
  • These growths are often caused by prolonged exposure to cold water and wind, hence the name Surfer's Ear. 
  • The bony growths narrow the ear canal, potentially trapping water, wax, and debris, leading to ear infections and hearing loss. 
     

What are the symptoms of exostoses?

Frequent ear infections, hearing loss, a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear, and water trapping in the ear canal. 

 

When is canalplasty necessary?

  • When conservative treatments like ear cleaning and medication fail to relieve symptoms. 
  • When exostoses are large and cause significant discomfort or hearing loss. 
  • When recurring ear infections are a problem. 
  • When the ear canal is severely narrowed, making it difficult to keep clean. 
     

What does canalplasty involve?

  • Canaloplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia.
  • The surgeon uses an operating microscope and microsurgical precision drills to remove the bony growths.
  • The procedure can be done through the ear canal, but usually through an incision behind the ear.
  • Recovery typically takes a few weeks to 2 months. 
     

What is the recovery like after canalplasty?

  • Patients need to keep their ear dry for several weeks or months to avoid infection. 
  • Ear plugs may be recommended when swimming or showering. 
  • The ear may be packed with gauze or other material to help with healing. 
  • It is important to follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully. 
     

Can exostoses be prevented?

  • Avoiding cold water exposure is the best prevention, but this is often not feasible for water sports enthusiasts. 
  • Earplugs: can help protect the ear canal from water and cold air. 
  • Using a swimming cap or mask with ear covers: can also help minimize water exposure. 
  • Drying the ear thoroughly after water exposure: is also important. 
     

Are there any risks associated with canalplasty?

  • As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and temporary or permanent hearing loss. 
  • It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with the surgeon before the procedure. 
     

Can the exostoses come back after canalplasty?

  • While canalplasty is generally successful, there is a small possibility of recurrence, especially if the ear continues to be exposed to cold water and wind.
  • Following preventative measures after surgery is important to minimize the risk of recurrence.