WHAT IS EXOSTOSIS / SURFER’S EAR?
Exostosis is the medical term for an abnormal growth of bone within the ear canal. It is more commonly referred to as swimmer’s or surfer’s ear. This common name derives from the fact that the most common cause of exostosis is frequent exposure to cold water, making this a condition that affects surfers at a higher rate than the average population. Exposure to wind and cold water causes the bone surrounding the ear canal to thicken and constrict the ear canal, sometimes to the point of complete blockage (known as “occlusion”) which can lead to substantial conductive hearing loss. An exostosis growth can result from any activity that exposes the participant to cold, wet and windy conditions such as skiing, kayaking, fishing, sailing or diving. Most patients who develop an exostois are in their mid-to-late 30s but those with significant cold water exposure such as surfers can develop the condition earlier. This is due to the slow progression of bone growth from years of cold weather expo
