Ear Protection for Swimmers and Surfers

Swimmer’s Ear (Acute Otitis Externa)

Cause:

Infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, often caused by water remaining in the ear canal, which creates a moist environment conducive to bacterial or fungal growth.

Symptoms:

• Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the ear.
• Itching in the ear canal.
• Redness and swelling in the ear canal.
• Discharge of fluid or pus.
• Temporary hearing loss due to blockage from swelling or debris

Prevalence:

1. In the United States Swimmer’s ear leads to approximately 2.4 million healthcare visits annually, costing nearly $500 million in direct healthcare expenses. While rates are highest among children aged 5–14 years, more than half of the reported infections occur in adults over age 20. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Preventing Swimmer’s Ear. Accessed January 2025.
2. The condition has a lifetime prevalence of around 10%. Source: Radiopaedia, Acute Otitis Externa – Radiopaedia. Accessed January 2025.

Surfer’s Ear (Auditory Exostoses)

Cause:

Bony growths (exostoses) in the ear canal form due to repeated exposure to cold water and wind.

Symptoms:

• Gradual hearing loss as the ear canal becomes obstructed.
• Frequent ear infections due to trapped water and debris.
• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear.
• Sometimes no symptoms until the canal is significantly narrowed.

Prevalence:

1. A study examining the ears of 307 surfers at the U.S. Open of Surfing found that the overall prevalence of surfer’s ear was 73.5%. Among those who had surfed for over 20 years, 91% had evidence of surfer’s ear, with 16% of that group having  blockage of over 66% of the auditory canal. Source: Surfer’s Ear – The Bane of Cold Water Surfers. Accessed January 2025.
2. In Australia, 95% of professional surfers and 82.8% of recreational surfers exhibit some degree of surfer’s ear. Source: Prevalence and Awareness of Surfer’s Ear. Accessed January 2025.
3. A Chinese study of 317 swimmers highlighted the effectiveness of ear protection in preventing surfer’s ear. Among those without ear protection during winter swimming, 33% had auditory canal exostoses, with 4.6% being severe. In contrast, only 2.8% of those using ear protection were affected, and none experienced severe obstruction. Source: The Relationship Between Ear Protective Measures and the Prevalence of External Auditory Canal Exostoses. Accessed January 2025.

1. The Prevalence and Severity of External Auditory Exostosis in Young to Quadragenarian-Aged Warm-Water Surfers: A Preliminary Study. (UCLA Health)
2. Surfer’s ear occurs due to cold, wet conditions (National Center for Biotechnology Information)

Paxauris earplugs offer an innovative solution to prevent swimmer’s ear and surfer’s ear, conditions caused by prolonged exposure to water and environmental factors. Using patented inflatable Fluid™ technology, Paxauris earplugs create a comfortable, watertight seal that fits everyone, ensuring your ears remain dry and protected in any aquatic environment.

For swimmers, Paxauris earplugs prevent water from entering the ear canal, eliminating the moisture that fosters bacterial and fungal growth—the primary cause of swimmer’s ear. Surfers benefit from their ability to block out cold water and wind, reducing the risk of bony growths in the ear canal associated with surfer’s ear.

Unlike traditional earplugs, Paxauris combines advanced sealing technology with unparalleled comfort, so you can focus on your performance without distraction. Whether you’re swimming laps, catching waves, or simply enjoying time in the water, Paxauris earplugs are a reliable, innovative safeguard against these common ear conditions.