Ear plug recommendations

surf cat

Rabbitt Bartholomew status
Jan 14, 2002
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<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" /> what can I say? I'm "PC" privileged character.... I have Kaiser's
my ear doctor is one of thee OG 'surf docs' ,he "waived" <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" /> the cost for me to be custom fitted.... they float mine are over 6 years old and I love them.
In 1978 Doc Scott fitted me with 'Pro Plugs'
If you live where hoods are passé I would recommend a pair of Pro Plugs on a lariat
 

surf cat

Rabbitt Bartholomew status
Jan 14, 2002
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Re: I've got surfer's ear. Any Bay Area doc recommendations for drilling?
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif" alt="" />IMHO you should first get your ears cleaned out with vacuum
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/socrazy.gif" alt="" /> next ear plugs and 'hood'
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/hah.gif" alt="" /> with the money saved buy a new custom board
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/00000054.gif" alt="" />ignore doctor saw bones
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/poke.gif" alt="" /> ignore doctor saw bones
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/nananana.gif" alt="" /> ignore doctor saw bones
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/unuts.gif" alt="" />ignore doctor saw bones
See? you could write a reply to your question with graelins
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" /> keep surfing
 

studog

Duke status
Jan 15, 2003
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<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" /> what can I say? I'm "PC" privileged character.... I have Kaiser's
my ear doctor is one of thee OG 'surf docs' ,he "waived" <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" /> the cost for me to be custom fitted.... they float mine are over 6 years old and I love them.
In 1978 Doc Scott fitted me with 'Pro Plugs'
If you live where hoods are passé I would recommend a pair of Pro Plugs on a lariat
thanks! '78 damn! didn't realize people were thinking about ear problems while surfing back then.
think i'll have to start with the cheapies see how those work. then maybe go to docs. if those don't work then have my doc write me a prescription for customs <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

i'm in boarderline hood area. lot more people are starting to wear them now but 90% of the time my head isn't that cold.
 

kool-aid

Michael Peterson status
Aug 28, 2003
3,026
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San Francisco
if you don't at least try the cheap purple plastic ones, ur pretty much an idiot.

As am i unfortunately...

at 25 my ears are already 30 - 50% closed

now i wear the plugs regardless of temp and use a hood as well in the winter.

plugs prevent flushing and the hood keeps you warm and holds the plugs in on big days.
 

Aruka

Tom Curren status
Feb 23, 2010
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The best part about ear plugs is not having to hear what people are saying to me out in the lineup.

Smile and nod.

I don't want to hear it unless it concerns a great white shark about to chomp me, and at that point it's probably too late anyway.
 

studog

Duke status
Jan 15, 2003
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The best part about ear plugs is not having to hear what people are saying to me out in the lineup.

Smile and nod.

I don't want to hear it unless it concerns a great white shark about to chomp me, and at that point it's probably too late anyway.
haven't thought about it that way. i'm sicked and tired of overhearing the bullshit conversations of middle age funboarders claiming big surf days <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
 

lorcar

Gerry Lopez status
Nov 20, 2008
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guys, how often do you need to surf in order to get concerned about surfer's ear? I still didn't get if it is caused more by cold water, by cold wind, or just water? According to wikipedia it is mainly cold water.
I dont get to surf that often as you, and water here requires a hood few months a year. None wears plugs, and I bet most have never heard of it.
Wikipedia also relates it to the direction you surf the most...I surf right waves and since last week I have felt my right ear a bit clogged. I am taking some drops which melt cerumen, and since I can count all the times I went surfing in my life, I doubt I have surfer's ear.
How do you know when you have it? is it painful?
 

surf cat

Rabbitt Bartholomew status
Jan 14, 2002
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None wears plugs, and I bet most have never heard of it.
how does that often told punch line go again?
old timer: "Have you ever heard of "Surfer's Ear?"
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/hah.gif" alt="" />fresh surfer: "WHAT?"
 

Aruka

Tom Curren status
Feb 23, 2010
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guys, how often do you need to surf in order to get concerned about surfer's ear? I still didn't get if it is caused more by cold water, by cold wind, or just water? According to wikipedia it is mainly cold water.
I dont get to surf that often as you, and water here requires a hood few months a year. None wears plugs, and I bet most have never heard of it.
Wikipedia also relates it to the direction you surf the most...I surf right waves and since last week I have felt my right ear a bit clogged. I am taking some drops which melt cerumen, and since I can count all the times I went surfing in my life, I doubt I have surfer's ear.
How do you know when you have it? is it painful?
I have a friend who grew up surfing in santa cruz and he had his ears drilled for the first time when he was 16 years old. Yes, it is as painful as it sounds, although I hear that now the technology has advanced to ear chiseling. Whether chisels or drills, it's not cheap and the recovery time is in the months. Point being: some people are much more prone to developing surfers ear and earplugs are the best way slow the process. Also, plugs can help prevent ear infections and are not unpleasant once you grow accustomed.
 

lorcar

Gerry Lopez status
Nov 20, 2008
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he was 16 years old.
that's terrible. But had he surfed everyday until that point? or as you suggest it's just a matter of being more prone to it? is the water in Santa Cruz cold?
Here on the Med it is already a struggle to have a good surfing day and we can never have enough. So it seems unthinkable we can get this problem...it's not like breaking a bone playing soccer or running, which might happen right the first time you practice whatever sport. I had understood that surfer's ear was something reserved to the most avid surfers, i.e. those who get to surf really a lot. Any pro having suffered it?
 

Mudbone

Nep status
Jul 19, 2009
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About 10 years ago, my doctor told me I had 98% closure in both ears and he recommended surgery to clear the calcium and to help prevent future ear infections. After he explained the procedure, I chickened out and decided to try Doc's earplugs instead. They are available at most surf shops for about $12 in small, medium, large and extra large-with a leash or without. One of the good things about them is that they offer a "vented" version which makes it easy to hear sounds around you. About once a year, I still get excruciating ear infections, but they seem to go away after a few days. I'm now 56 and wouldn't surf (expecially in the cold winter water) without them. Hindsite is 20/20. Wish I would have flossed more too.
I was a lifeguard in miami fl. for 10 years, and swam alot, I took breaths from my left side. Now my left ear is 90% closed, so all you so called warm water surfers take note.
I used to get serious ear infections from being in the water so much, but have now learned why this happens.
When your ear canal is exposed to water often, the ear canal becomes alkaline, making them a great place for bacteria and fungus.
A couple of drops apple cider vinegar will prevent this for happening.
I have been using, Bausch and Lomb, acetic acid 2% otic solution, about once a month as a preventive for the last 3 years without any ear infections.
Swim Ear Drops, will dry out water, but will end up irritating the canal, making them prone to infections.
 

jory

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Aug 13, 2006
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Like i said, get some before you have a problem! That way you don't need to find out if you are one of the people who are prone to bone growth!

Sure the custom ones might cost a bit but how much is your hearing or future time in the water worth?

This is a UK supplier but their site has lots of info and some good gory pics!
http://www.surfplugs.co.uk/index.html
theirs work out about $85 (they will post to US if you send them an impression of your ear but i guess thats not very practical!)
 

lorcar

Gerry Lopez status
Nov 20, 2008
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swam alot, I took breaths from my left side. Now my left ear is 90% closed, so all you so called warm water surfers take note.
does that mean it could happen also if you swim in a pool for long time??? or the wind plays a crucial role?
 

Aruka

Tom Curren status
Feb 23, 2010
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he was 16 years old.
that's terrible. But had he surfed everyday until that point? or as you suggest it's just a matter of being more prone to it? is the water in Santa Cruz cold?
Here on the Med it is already a struggle to have a good surfing day and we can never have enough. So it seems unthinkable we can get this problem...it's not like breaking a bone playing soccer or running, which might happen right the first time you practice whatever sport. I had understood that surfer's ear was something reserved to the most avid surfers, i.e. those who get to surf really a lot. Any pro having suffered it?
The water is cold in Santa Cruz (Mid 50's I think) and my friend was and still is an avid surfer but he said he had problems with his ears almost from the start. If you have any sort of problem with water getting trapped in your ears then I highly recommend finding some plugs that work for you.

Personally, I have been swimming and surfing in cold waters for years and have never had problems with my ears until recently when my left ear started bothering me after every session. Cleaned it with vinegar and alcohol per an old surfers recommendation and started wearing plugs religiously. No problems since.
 

adam33

Billy Hamilton status
Feb 23, 2005
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Long Beach, NY
My doc told me if you are prone to bone ear growth, you can get it from swimming in a pool for long periods of time or any water activity for that matter. Surfing in COLD water speeds up the process of bone growth quite a bit though. Something like 6x faster...
 

bigsurfer67

Billy Hamilton status
Dec 29, 2008
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...symptoms are basically ear fullness, pain, popping sounds, and frequent ear infections all from water getting in the ear but not all of it draining out. Both of mine are now 75% closed from 30+ years of hitting the beach. Resisted wearing earplugs for a long time, but finally started wearing the cheapie Macks Soft Silicone's about 3 years ago to avoid the drill (necessary when ear closure is 95%+) and have had no major ear infection problems since. They take some getting used to as you cannot hear well, they get dirty and less pliable over time, and on occasion let in a small amount of water. However, they usually last multiple sessions and if one ever falls out, just take the other out of ear, break it in half and you are still good to go! Now wear them every time out (lots of other types too) as it is the best way to avoid the drill! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
 

pickles

Miki Dora status
Aug 18, 2003
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After getting an 85% closed diagnoses 10 years or so ago, I tried wearing plugs in the cold. I hate it enough to just face surgery when the time comes. I wear a hood when I need it for temp, hate that too. Audio is a significant component of what I love about surfing, it is not worth giving that up. For me anyway.
 

surf1atmalibu

Legend (inyourownmind)
Nov 4, 2009
381
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After posting my opinion on this subject a few days ago, my left ear decided to completely close (I'm now basically deaf on that side). Went to the doc on Friday who told me my ear was now officially 100% closed (occlusion). He suggested surgery right away. I had made previous plans to attend a wedding in Santa Cruz and my board was in the truck. Let me tell you, hearing loss is no joke. It was almost impossible to talk or listen to anybody the whole weekend. I was constantly explaining my situation. The worst part was when I went to the Lane and just sat there and looked at really nice head high surf. Anyway, back in L.A. and looking forward to calling the doc tomorrow and scheduling surgery. Keep you posted.
 

surf cat

Rabbitt Bartholomew status
Jan 14, 2002
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<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" /> believe me, when it comes to knowing a little about getting your ears drilled
I know as little as any one
that said, I say this: Have your ears vacuumed clear and cleaned
ask for antibiotics to get the swelling down if necessary
then at least doctor sawbones will be able to see and show you if you need to
<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/unuts.gif" alt="" />
 

studog

Duke status
Jan 15, 2003
35,863
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CA
After posting my opinion on this subject a few days ago, my left ear decided to completely close (I'm now basically deaf on that side). Went to the doc on Friday who told me my ear was now officially 100% closed (occlusion). He suggested surgery right away. I had made previous plans to attend a wedding in Santa Cruz and my board was in the truck. Let me tell you, hearing loss is no joke. It was almost impossible to talk or listen to anybody the whole weekend. I was constantly explaining my situation. The worst part was when I went to the Lane and just sat there and looked at really nice head high surf. Anyway, back in L.A. and looking forward to calling the doc tomorrow and scheduling surgery. Keep you posted.
damn that SUCKS. hope the surgery goes well <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" />

got me some Mack's from RiteAid this weekend. they seem to work ok. tried them today but the surf around dumelocal's place was up pretty good so I had to take them out. new to ear plugs threw off my rythm. will have to try them when the surf is not as critical