Surfers ear surgery

[Belchfire1]

I'm thinking it's time. 90% blocked in L ear 80% in R ear.
Has anyone had it done recently? Chisel or Drill seem to be the 2 options.
Any opinions?

Cheers,
Belch

 

[rowjimmytour]

I'm thinking it's time. 90% blocked in L ear 80% in R ear.
Has anyone had it done recently? Chisel or Drill seem to be the 2 options.
Any opinions?

Cheers,
Belch

Maybe things have changed but I heard and was told not to get the surgery until it gets so bad that water well not drain and causes infections. I was also told chisel works best. Start wearing earplugs if you have not started. This can further delay surgery and even bring your ears back to health.

 

[Belchfire1]

Maybe things have changed but I heard and was told not to get the surgery until it gets so bad that water well not drain and causes infections. I was also told chisel works best. Start wearing earplugs if you have not started. This can further delay surgery and even bring your ears back to health.

I agree with that logic. I have been wearing plugs 100% for a few years now. No infections or trapped water. My hearing is kinda suffering and I hope that the surgery would help me not feel like an old man always asking peeps to repeat themselves. ha

 

[Woke AF]

don't let it go to 100% blockage. Mine did, so they had to guess where to drill, which took them 3 or so hours. Surgeon said it was sketchy.
I recently was told @ 80% closure if I am not getting infections(only 1 in 30 years surfing) just keep an eye on it.

 

[flyinraptr]

Recomendatons on which ear plugs to get?

 

[rowjimmytour]

Recomendatons on which ear plugs to get?

After years of using Doc Pros and buying new ones twice year I recently bought surfer ears plugs and so far like them. Super tight fit, nice leash, and great pouch to store well worth money.

 

[everysurfer]

I wear a hood, with a waterfi mp3 player and waterproof earbuds

 

[Belchfire1]

I've been wearing Mack's plugs for years, the purple ones. Cheap and keeps water out. I've had zero issues since I started wearing them. My surfers ear hasn't progressed but it hasn't gotten better either (not sure that's possible)

 

[flyinraptr]

Thought I'd check one of the local shops in town … to my surprise they had Mack's. Picked up two pairs for $10 US. No leash though.

 

[Belchfire1]

Thought I'd check one of the local shops in town … to my surprise they had Mack's. Picked up two pairs for $10 US. No leash though.

No leash needed. I've never lost one in the water.

 

[kelly7873]

I'm thinking it's time. 90% blocked in L ear 80% in R ear.
Has anyone had it done recently? Chisel or Drill seem to be the 2 options.
Any opinions?

Cheers,
Belch

I've had both done. The left ear about 10 years ago. The doctor said the growth was shaped like a mushroom, one hit with the chisel and it came off clean. In the OR about 10 minutes but it took about 3 months to heal. Right ear was done earlier this year different doctor. There were three bumps with one right up against the drum. The doctor used a chisel and the drill and it took about 3 hours. My jaw was very sore but I was good to go after a few weeks.
The first one my insurance paid for, the second one my insurance paid like 80% and I had to pay $3000.

 

[SurfDoc]

Wear the plugs! Try a couple different ones until you find what is comfortable for you. I like Doc's ProPlugs. As for surgery when the ear becomes symptomatic (infections, pain, blockage etc.) get the surgery. I tend to advise the flap and chisel, but you have to confer with your local ENT. Try to find one with experience at removing osteomata. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3370017/