Surfer’s Ear Treatment in Los Angeles

Restoring Your Ability to Enjoy Surfing and Watersports

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ENT Conditions

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Overview Causes & Symptoms Treatments Why Daneshrad

Overview

Santa Monica, Los Angeles, & Torrance Ear Care for Surfer's Ear

Surfer's ear can block the ear canal, leading to hearing loss, infections, and discomfort. It can also prevent you from enjoying surfing. At our surfer’s ear clinics in Santa Monica and Torrance, Dr. Daneshrad specializes in diagnosing and treating surfer’s ear, offering personalized care to help you maintain optimal ear health while enjoying your favorite water activities.

What Is Surfer's Ear?

Surfer’s ear, also known as exostosis, is a condition where abnormal bone growth occurs in the ear canal due to repeated exposure to cold water and wind. Over time, this growth ear develops when exposure to cold water and wind causes the bone in the ear canal to thicken and grow. This condition differs from swimmer’s ear, which is an ear canal infection. In surfer’s ear, the bony growths can eventually block the ear canal, leading to hearing difficulties and trapping water or debris inside, which increases the risk of ear infections, so you should consider visiting the best exostosis doctor in Los Angeles.

Causes & Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Surfer's Ear

Surfer's ear often develops gradually, with symptoms worsening as the condition progresses. These may include:

Hearing loss: Often one of the first signs caused by the narrowing of the ear canal.
Frequent ear infections: Trapped water and debris can lead to recurrent infections.
Pain or discomfort in the ear: Particularly after cold water exposure.
A feeling of fullness in the ear: Due to blocked ear canals.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): In some cases, the bone growth can irritate the ear and cause ringing.

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What Causes Surfer's Ear?

The primary cause of surfer’s ear is long-term exposure to cold water and wind. While surfers are most commonly affected, any cold water activity, such as swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or diving, can develop exostosis. Surfer’s ear tends to progress more quickly in those who frequently surf or swim in colder waters.

Treatments

How is Surfer's Ear Treated?

Treatment for surfer’s ear depends on the severity of the condition. Common treatments include:

Preventive Measures: Wearing earplugs or a hood while surfing or swimming in cold water can help prevent further bone growth and protect your ears.
Ear Drops: Dr. Daneshrad may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to treat surfer’s ear infections.
Surgical Removal: Surgery may be necessary if the bone growths have blocked the ear canal, causing significant hearing loss or infections. This procedure, known as canalplasty, involves removing the bone growth in the ears to reopen the ear canal and restore normal hearing. Dr. Daneshrad performs this minimally invasive procedure to ensure the best outcomes with minimal downtime.

How Do You Prevent Surfer’s Ear?

Surfer’s ear prevention involves minimizing exposure to cold water and wind inside the ear canal. Bone growth is a defense mechanism that protects the eardrum from these elements. The most effective prevention methods include:

Wearing high-quality silicone earplugs while in the water to block cold water and wind.
Using a wetsuit hood or a special headband that covers and seals the ears.
Avoiding surfing or water activities in temperatures below 68° F (20° C), as colder temperatures stimulate bone growth. At 60° F, surfers have a 2.6 times higher chance of developing severe exostoses.

By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of developing surfer’s ear while continuing to enjoy your favorite water sports.

Why daneshrad clinic

Discover the Best Surfer's Ear ENT Doctor in Los Angeles

Dr. Daneshrad, recognized as the best surfer’s ear surgeon in Los Angeles, is experienced in diagnosing and treating surfer’s ear. With a patient-first approach, he tailors treatment plans to each individual’s needs, ensuring effective solutions for both mild and advanced cases. Whether you’re an avid surfer or simply enjoy water activities, Dr. Daneshrad offers expert care to keep your ears healthy and prevent complications so you can get back to the water. Our clinics proudly serve patients throughout Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Torrance, and nearby communities, including Malibu, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Venice.

Treatment options

Tympanoplasty

Eustachian Tube Dilation

Micro-Chisel Exostectomy