{"id":4718,"date":"2019-07-05T11:54:13","date_gmt":"2019-07-05T11:54:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/houseprovidence.org\/?p=4718"},"modified":"2019-07-05T11:54:13","modified_gmt":"2019-07-05T11:54:13","slug":"surfers-ear-and-other-summer-hearing-disorders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/househearing.com\/surfers-ear-and-other-summer-hearing-disorders\/","title":{"rendered":"Surfer\u2019s Ear (and Other Summer Hearing Disorders)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer in Los Angeles<\/a> means it’s time to hang ten!<\/p>\n

But before you hit the surf, you’ll want to take precautions to protect your ears. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Surfing, swimming and other water activities can lead to painful ear infections – and maybe worse.<\/p>\n

What is Surfer’s Ear?<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The name surfer’s ear is misleading because even those in landlocked North Dakota can experience this inflammation of the bone in the ear canal – all it takes is exposure to cold water and wind.<\/p>\n

Even Fargo residents are familiar with those conditions!<\/p>\n

Surfers and swimmers are the most likely to develop this condition simply because of their frequent contact with water.<\/p>\n

Surfers ear is characterized by a thickening of the bones in the ear canal and a narrowing of the canal itself. <\/strong><\/p>\n

If not treated, hearing loss<\/a> could occur.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of surfer’s ear<\/a> include frequent ear infections and a plugged-up sensation that can cause hearing difficulty.<\/p>\n

Continued bone growth could result in a total blockage of the ear canal and conductive hearing loss<\/em>.<\/p>\n

If you develop surfer’s ear, your Los Angeles audiologist<\/strong> is likely to recommend a canalplasty surgery<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This outpatient procedure aims to chisel away excess bone growth, in most cases restoring any lost hearing ability.<\/p>\n

Of course, nobody wants to go under the knife, so it’s important to take steps to prevent surfer’s ear<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Your best bet is to avoid swimming in water that is extremely cold – especially on windy days.<\/p>\n

Luckily, this is rarely a problem in temperate California.<\/p>\n

You might also consider wearing swim plugs or a swimming cap as an added precaution.<\/p>\n

Swimmer’s ear is another concern for those who engage in water activities.<\/p>\n

It occurs following exposure to water that contains high bacterial levels and results in a painful ear infection that could eventually lead to hearing loss.<\/p>\n

Look for signs warning of high bacteria counts and save your Speedo for another day.<\/p>\n

More Summer Health Hazards<\/h2>\n

Water isn’t the only health concern during the warm summer months, and your hearing isn’t the only thing susceptible.<\/p>\n

Summer allergies<\/a> can wreak havoc with your immune system, causing cold-like symptoms such as nasal discharge or congestion; sneezing; cough; itchy, watery eyes and postnasal drip.<\/p>\n

Many of the local media outlets post pollen counts; avoid going outdoors as much as possible when levels are high or save your errands for early mornings or later in the evening.<\/p>\n

Sore throats are also common during this time of year; cheering on your favorite sporting team, smoking, drinking alcohol and constant exposure to air conditioning can all irritate the lining of your throat, causing hoarseness and pain.<\/p>\n

These conditions may make you want to hole up until winter arrives, but not to worry – taking a few precautions will keep you healthy and safe all summer long.<\/p>\n

For more information on summer hearing and health dangers, talk to your Los Angeles doctor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

Related Hearing Loss Posts:<\/h3>\n