Stolen Fish Please support our sponsors Surfer's Ear Surfer's ear refers to a progressive buildup of bone within the ear canal due to long-term exposure to cold water temperatures. The condition is usually worse in the ear that faces the ocean. Surfer's ear may interfere with the normal clearance of earwax, skin-debris, and moisture from the ear canal. Trapped water around the debris causes softening of the ear canal skin. Pus under pressure may develop behind the obstruction and cause pain.
Many surfers use ear plugs to keep cold water out of their ear canals.
Custom ear plugs can be made through a local ear specialist or audiologist. Wax-like plugs can be shaped to your ear canals and purchased at most drug stores or pharmacies. Fancier ear plugs are available which block water but not sound, so you can still hear what's going on around you. The alcohol will evaporate and dry up the excess water with it. Adding an ounce of white vinegar to a quart of alcohol with also stop bacterial and fungal growth.