When I had a routine medical about 18 months ago the occupational health nurse had a look in my ears,
"Oh that's odd" she said,"I have never seen anything like that before in someone's ear".
I immediatly knew what she could see...bone growth!
I have been an all year round surfer for quite a few years and was waiting for the day
all that cold water and wind would take affect and my ears would start to heal over !
The Occupational Health Doctor checked them out and confirmed a small amount of growth in the right ear.
Straight away I booked an appointment with the good people of surfplugs to get myself sorted.
After a thorough examination I was told a had some growth in both ears but was reassured when they
told me that if I wear the plugs the growth won't get any worse.After having the molds taken
(which is painless in case you were wondering) I received my ear plugs in the post about a week later.
I have been wearing them for over a year now. The first time I wore them it did feel a little odd.
After the first paddle out I realised that I could hear my heart beating. By the end of the session I had
completely adjusted to them. The cord didn't last long though. The first session I wore the plugs with a hood
I tore the cord out of a plug when taking the hood off. They have since upgraded the cords they use.
So the final verdict.
I find them really comfortable to wear.
I don't find they have really reduced my hearing to the detriment of enjoying a surf.
The thing I didn't expect is that keeping the cold water out of your ears
makes you feel warmer in the water.
It is a very cheap way of avoiding a really nasty operation (which won't stop the growth anyway)
I would recommend them to any surfer
