Ear Protection for Cold Water Surfer

In this article we look at the best ear protection for surfing in all seasons, this includes winter and spring, the coldest months to surf and summer and autumn. In the UK all year round is seen as cold water surfing and keeping your head and ears warm can really improve the enjoyment of the sport and the time you sped in the water.

When surfing in cold environments, always think about your ears before you go, make sure you've packed your extra layers and ear protection and then the surfing, is all about surfing. You don't have to worry about the cold or big slams and your ears and head will thank you for it.

How Can Surfing Affect Your Ears

Regular exposure to cold wind and water can cause bony growths within your ear canal to develop. This can trap water and debris which has the potential to cause a painful ear infection. In some cases when the growths begin to close the ear canal, causing slight deafness, surgery is required to remove these growths. This surgery can require several weeks for your ear to heal fully and therefore you will need to stay out of the water for this time period.

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With better technology neoprene, thicker wetsuits and ear accesories available on the market, more people are surfing cold waters than ever before, increasing the risk of surfers ear. 

If you are concerned you may have surfers ear, it is worth consulting your Doctor or Audiologist for an ear examination. 

Wetsuit Hoods

The occurance of "brain freeze" is common while surfing in cold water, however there are things you can do to prevent it. Such as a specifically designed wetsuit hood for cold water surfing. A lot of winter surf wetsuits come with built in hoods, which is a great feature, just be sure to use it if it is cold or the surf is big.

Ear Plugs for Surfing

Wearing a good quality hood will definitely help reduce the chances of bony growths developing within your ear as the hood will help to keep the water entering your ear warmer than the actual temperature of the sea water. The problem is a hood will still allow water into your ear, so for extra caution, using ear plugs will also help. Preventing water getting into your ears completely will protect your ears.

When it comes to finding the right ear plugs, there are many options out there but you need to find the ones specifically designed with surfing in mind.

The best solution to protect your ears while using a hood is custom fit made ear moulds.  Although these do need you to have an impression of your ear taken, this means the ear moulds themselves will match your ear correctly. An ear impression will take into account each contour and unique bumps and shapes of your ear. If you have tried generic ear plugs and have still yet to find them to seal your ear properly then these are a must for an avid surfer.

What you will find is because they match your ear shape correctly they will also be much more comfortable in your ear as well as keeping your ear fully sealed for water. The custom fit also has the ability to stay within your ear better and most custom made ear moulds will come with a lanyard to connect to your wetsuit if they do fall out. The major things to consider with custom made ear plugs is the price and booking yourself in with an audiologist to get an impression taken and over time you will need to have them re made as your ears slowly grow. If surfing is your world then custom moulds really are the way to go.