What You Need to Know About Surfer’s Ear Surgery
Understanding canalplasty: what you need to know about Surfer’s Ear surgery.
Surfer’s Ear, or Exostosis, is a condition caused by repeated exposure to water, wind, and air, leading to abnormal bone growth in the ear canal. This growth can cause frequent infections, wax buildup and conductive hearing loss. If the condition becomes severe, surgery called canalplasty may be required to remove the excess bone and restore normal ear function.
Why Canalplasty (Surfer’s Ear Surgery) Is Needed
Canalplasty is typically recommended when exostosis causes:
- Significant hearing loss
- Frequent ear infections
- Excessive wax buildup or blockage
If left untreated, these issues can become chronic and lead to permanent hearing loss. Athletes who regularly engage in water sports or those living in windy areas are most at risk.
What Happens During Canalplasty?
Canalplasty is performed to remove the abnormal bone growths from the ear canal. The procedure involves two main steps:
- Removal of Bone: The surgeon carefully removes the bony growths that block the ear canal. Preserving the skin is of utmost importance.
- Restoring Canal Shape: After the bone is removed, the ear canal is reshaped to keep it clear and open for sound transmission.
The surgery typically takes around two hours, depending on the case’s complexity.
Recovery After Canalplasty (Surfer’s Ear Surgery)
Recovery from canalplasty requires a bit of patience. Here’s what to expect:
- Post-Surgery Care: The ear may drain fluid for a few days post surgery and this is normal.
- Pain and Discomfort: Mild pain and swelling are normal, but they can be managed with medications.
- Water Avoidance: You’ll need to avoid getting water in your ear during recovery, which can take a few weeks. This means taking a break from water sports, and taking care to prevent water entering the ear during showering.
- Follow-Up: Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor healing and prevent complications.
Most people can return to light activities in 2-3 weeks, but full recovery might take 6 weeks.
Risks of Canalplasty
Like any surgery, canalplasty carries some risks, such as:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Changes in hearing
- Recurrence of bone growth
However, the procedure is generally safe, and with proper care, most patients experience significant improvements in ear health.
Canalplasty vs. Prevention
While canalplasty is effective for treating severe cases, prevention is always the best approach. Wearing earplugs or a hooded wetsuit for water activities, and beanies or hoodie for dry windy activities can protect against the development of surfer’s ear. Regular check-ups with an ear specialist, like The Ear Nurses, can also help detect the condition early before surgery is needed.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Canalplasty: What You Need to Know About Surfer’s Ear Surgery
Canalplasty offers relief for those suffering from severe surfer’s ear, restoring hearing and reducing infection risk. However, prevention through ear protection remains key. If you’re dealing with exostosis, consult a qualified specialist to explore your treatment options and ensure your ears stay healthy for years to come.
Protect Your Hearing and Enjoy Water Sports Safely 🌊👂
Resources: https://www.nment.com.au/info-sheets