how many of you have had Surfer's ear? (or know someone who has)

[r.moore]

just trying to get an idea of how common it is for kayakers to get surfer's ear (bone growth in the ear canal). Snow melt should make it more common since cold water causes it... if you have trouble hearing or get lots of ear infections, this could be you -

[Ken F]

Within less than 2 paddling seasons after moving to CO, my ears would hurt after one roll. It was getting so bad I couldn't sleep at night. I went and got a set of Doc's Pro Plugs and the problem went away and has never returned.

[KSC]

I wear plugs religiously so don't plan on ever getting it. Otherwise you're just rolling the dice with your genetics. Why risk it?

[yak1]

If you fall over in cold water on a regular basis you will get it. I had to have my ears reamed out. I figure I'm good for another 20 years. Note if yours get that bad got to a ENT Doc who does this stuff on a regular basis. I had a friend lose hearing in one ear just going to a general surgon. Ear plugs work great. So does not falling over and having a helmet that keeps the splash out of your ears.

[fred norquist]

i have it sucks but drops seem to work well, and unfortuanetly not going boating works great too, earplugs usually help but sometimes i still get it

[Gary E]

I now get it in the shower. I carry a swimmers ear bottle, loaded with vinegar and alcohol and use it religously after I take my ear plugs out. I went too long without plugs. Gordon and Dave have had multiple ear surgeries, it's bad news.

Gary

[Parkito]

I've got it too, in my right ear. Sucks, starting to effect my sleep. Getting old sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Parkito]

Who makes the best ear plugs out there. I've used Doc's but they still get water up in there. I saw in a movie that Brad Ludden was wearing some fancy ones that looked better.

[Ken F]

Originally Posted by Parkito

Who makes the best ear plugs out there. I've used Doc's but they still get water up in there. I saw in a movie that Brad Ludden was wearing some fancy ones that looked better.

Custom made ear plugs are the best, but cost a lot of money. You get them from a doctor and they fit your ear perfectly. For $10 Doc's Pro Ear Plugs are pretty good. They come in numerous sizes both with and without holes in them.

[Ron]

Boated for years, but as soon as I went back East to boat got it. Doc. gave me stuff, but it never did work. Finally (after 2-3 yrs. of the Doc's. perscription) I used vinegar and alcohol worked immediately. Use ear plugs too. I just use cheap shooting plugs. Used fitted good ones, but they wouldn't stay in very well. Ron.