Busting the Eardrums...

KanahaKai · Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 8

Hows it going everyone... its well known that messed up high altitude loops and jumps can result in a busted eardrum...is a helmet the only way to prevent that? or are there some sort of earplugs? just wondering cause you wouldnt be doing yourself any good to blow out the ear drum.

Wind-NC.com · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:49 pm Post subject:

Been there, done that. I got lucky with only one week on dry dock and no surgery required.

Ever since, I've worn Doc's Pro Plugs (the vented kind). It's been about 3 years, I guess, with no repeat injuries. And I fall, a lot. From high, from low, at speed and going slow. I doubt that any product could be 100% effective, but these have treated me very well. They come in sizes, so it's best to find a dealer to try some on. Their website has all the important details as to how and why they work, and they can certainly explain it better than I can!

http://www.proplugs.com/

beallmd · Joined: 10 May 1998 Posts: 1154

I am an Ear, Nose and Throat doc. I would have referred you to the same website. Read the company info part. He is an all around waterman from Santa Cruz and mostly he developed these to prevent "Surfer's Ear", a condition where you grow bone along your ear canal. If severe it can lead to repeated infections and ultimately surgery to correct it. Perhaps for that reason alone we should be wearing these if repeated cold water exposure is an issue. I saw folks at Waddell with them.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

As a past surfer for many many years before beginning windsurfing in 1985, I've had my problems with ear infections, as beallmd has so rightly highlighted, so I'm now a religious user of earplugs (a cheaper version available at drug stores) for quite a few years. No earplugs, I can't go into the water.

Also, I use the Gath helmet, which provides some added protection if one was to be unexpectedly slammed hard and quickly. The combination of earplugs and a helmet is a sensible way to protect yourself without much expense or compromise. Also, it's wise to look beyond the "cool factor" that permeates the thought of many folks out there.

philodog · Joined: 28 Apr 2000 Posts: 209

I busted an eardrum trying to learn loops (don`t change your mind in the middle of it) and now dont get in the water without earplugs. I use the cheap silicone type from the drugstore. I know they`ve saved my ear several times since then on faceplanting wipeouts. Docs proplugs are good for the cold water thing but cheap earplugs are sufficient for wipeouts, just something to take the blow besides your eardrum.

Wind-NC.com · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 11:08 pm Post subject:

Proplugs are $8 or 9 for a pair... And they last for a pretty danged long time if you keep them clean and in the handy little carry case...

pjs · Joined: 06 Jul 1999 Posts: 59

Proplugs- I've been using them for a long time. A set usually lasts me about 2 years. They are comfortable and specifically made to keep your ears protected while getting crushed by giant walls of water. Also, the vented plugs don't interfere with your hearing too much.

jp5 · Joined: 19 May 1998 Posts: 3394 Location: OnUr6

I was surfing and wearing doc's pro plugs when my board railed up and hit me on the ear puncturing the drum. It took a month to heal. Ear plugs help keep the water out but don't offer any protection against blunt force trama.

US93 · Joined: 06 Oct 2015 Posts: 3

human_catapult · Joined: 20 Nov 2007 Posts: 374

I've perforated an ear drum whitewater kayaking and have since had intermitten issues.

I'm no looper, but I wear proplugs as much as possible... no issues so far...