Paddling for years created bone growths called ’surfer’s ear’ in both my ears which were discovered in 1994 when Dr. D’s Pro-plugs set up a screening booth at OR. I had 90% and 85% closure. At the advice of Dr. D’s founder I started wearing his ear plugs with a scull cap any time I was in cold water and DID NOT have them removed for ten more years. I did not get regular ear infections. I did not experience hearing loss. I simply had shocked reactions at the Doctors office and learned to stop them from sticking the viewing device in my ear – as it would hit the bones and cause a sharp intense pain.

During an Africa trip in 2003, I got ear infections and both ears ‘closed’ shut. Slight swelling from the infection was enough to block the ear canal, making the infection difficult to treat. After several ‘cleanings’ from my ENT and some antibiotics the swelling reduced and I was ‘fine’ once again. A few years later I was not so lucky, and an infection burst my ear drum and spread to my mandible. I had several surgeries to remove the ear growths, drain the mandible, and repair my ear drum but one ear drum still has a small hole.

I will expand on this later with prevention, treatment options, and details but contact me if you are having a similar experience.

Clay