Surfers face a range of hazards beyond the waves, from the risk of shark attacks to injuries caused by coral reefs and a painful condition known as "surfer's ear." This persistent ear condition, medically recognized as exostoses, develops from repeated cold water exposure and can lead to hearing difficulties. While the dangers of sharks and reefs are well-documented, "surfer's ear" remains an often-overlooked but debilitating consequence of the sport. New research is now shedding light on how this condition forms and whether prevention is possible.
Surfers have long braved shark bites, reef scrapes, and the dreaded "surfer's ear."