L'exostosisalso known as "surfer's earis a well-known problem for winter riders. Caused by prolonged exposure to cold water and wind, it can lead to abnormal bone growth in the ear canalThis can lead to total obstruction. The only solution once installed? A surgical operation.

Fortunately, there are effective solutions to prevent this problemwithout interfering with your surfing. Visit the best strategies for keeping your ears healthy all winter long !

1. Hearing protection: your first line of defence

🎧 Technical earplugs

Specialized closures are the best protection against cold water and wind. Unlike conventional models, they are designed to block water without affecting hearing or balance.

🏆 The best models on the market :

✔️ SurfEars 4.0 acoustic membrane that blocks 99.8 % de l'eauThe sound is still transmitted. Ultra-light and compatible with balaclavas.
✔️ EQ Seals Balance Pro : made in medical siliconeIt provides effective protection against water and wind.
✔️ Alpine WaterSafe Pro innovative hydrophobic filter, allowing 85 % sounds while preventing water infiltration.

💡 Scientific proof A study carried out at the CHU in Angers showed that wearing earplugs reduces bone growth by 30 % and prevents infections!

👉 If you surf in winter, earplugs are a must to avoid exostosis.

2. Thermal insulation: cap, balaclava or headband?

Keeping your ears warm is essential to prevent inflammation of the ear canals. But should you opt for a balaclava, cap or headband ?

🏄‍♂️ 3 effective solutions:

✅ Lightweight neoprene balaclava (1.5-3 mm) : Focus on double-flanged models to limit infiltration.
✅ Neoprene hat : Offer good thermal protection without completely enclosing the head.
✅ Thermal strip Ideal for protect forehead and ears only while maintaining perfect hearing.

👉 The winning combo ? Earplugs + neoprene cap for maximum protection without discomfort!

3. Post-session hygiene: avoid infections

Water left in the ear canal promotes ear infections. After each session, adopt these good habits :

✔️ Careful drying Tilt the head to drain off water, use a towel or a low-temperature hair dryer (30 cm apart).
✔️ Gentle cleaning : NO cotton swabs! Prefer a rinse with fresh water or a drying solution (such as sweet almond oil).

👉 A clean, dry ear canal reduces the risk of irritation and infection.

4. Adapt your surfing to the conditions

Even when well protected, certain climatic conditions increase the risk of exostosis. Here are the rules to follow:

⏳ Limit session length More than 1h in water <10°C increased risk exostosis.
💨 Avoid surfing in strong winds and sub-zero temperatures These conditions accelerate ear canal irritation.

👉 Listen to your body and adapt your time to the water.

5. ENT check-up: an annual visit recommended

🔍 Why is this important?
Exostosis develops slowly and painlesslyuntil the day you realize that you no longer hear well...

📅 One ENT visit per year detects the first signs and adapt your protection before it's too late.

👉 Early detection avoids surgery !

🎯 The 5-step anti-exostosis plan

1️⃣ Wear specialized earplugs (SurfEars, EQ Seals, Alpine WaterSafe).
2️⃣ Add thermal protection (hat, light balaclava, headband).
3️⃣ Dry your ears after each session (no cotton buds!).
4️⃣ Adapting the length of sessions depending on cold and wind conditions.
5️⃣ An ENT check-up once a year to monitor progress.

With these tips, you can surf all winter long without risking damage to your ears! 🌊👂🔥