Suggest Treatment For Surfer's Ear

Posted on Tue, 21 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi - I've been swimming and surfing in Australia frequently for about 10 years, and have developed something called "surfers ear". I've attached an otoscope image of this. I just wanted to get an opinion on how severe/advanced this looks at present, and whether it requires surgical intervention - or any prevention methods you recommend.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Surfer's Ear, mild.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The exostosis seen in the image is mild.

2. Indications for surgery include recurrent ear infections, hearing loss or trapped debris and cholesteatoma. Otherwise there is no need to operate.

3. Reduce exposure to cold water by using protective headgear or ear protection.

4. The success of surgery depends upon the intact-ness of the overlying ear canal skin after drilling out the exostosis and re-exposure to cold water. Recurrence rate is high, hence avoid surgery unless absolutely necessary (as per the above indications).

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar