Australian surfers’ awareness of ‘surfer’s ear’

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess awareness of external auditory exostosis (EAE) among Australian surfers.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional observational study, assessing professional and recreational Australian surfers. Currently, active surfers over 18 years of age, surfing year-round, were eligible to participate. After initial screening, individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire. All included volunteers underwent bilateral otoscopic examination, to assess the presence and severity of EAE.ResultsA total of 113 surfers were included in the study and were divided into two groups, based on surfing status: 93 recreational surfers and 20 professional surfers. Recreational surfers were significantly older (p<0.005), more experienced (greater years surfing; p<0.005), with lower prevalence of otological symptoms (p<0.05). The most common symptoms were water trapping, impacted wax and hearing loss. Prevalence of EAE was high for both groups (95% in the professional surfers and 82.8% in the recreational surfers); however, recreational surfers had mild grade EAE (grade 1) as the most common presentation, as opposed to professionals who had severe grade EAE (grade 3) as the most common presentation (p<0.05 between groups). Awareness of the term ‘surfer’s ear’ was high for both groups, as was knowledge of prevention options. However, fewer considered the condition to be preventable, and an even lower number reported regular use of prevention methods.ConclusionAustralian surfers had a high level of awareness of EAE; however, few reported using prevention methods, despite having a high prevalence of the condition. Health practitioners should screen susceptible individuals in order to recommend appropriate preventive measures.

External auditory exostoses in wind-dependent water sports participants: German wind- and kitesurfers

“…1 Frequencies of EAE severity according to total years of wind-and/or kitesurfing with the prevalence ratio (PR) shown paired for none + minimal and moderate + severe EAE was found in nearly 20% of the participants. Similar prevalences of severe EAE in non-professional surfers were found in the USA (22.2%), Australia (17.4-22.1%) and England (12.4%) [9,11,12,20]. In this study, the age at which the individuals started surfing was not significantly associated with the severity of EAE, which is in accordance with the study by Attlmayr and Smith [9].…”

“…As in previous studies with similar diagnostic methods [8,12,13,35], the severity of EAC obstruction was described using a four-point scale based on the percentage of obstruction as follows: 0 no visible obstruction 1-mild less than one-third obstructed 2-moderate one-third to two-thirds obstructed 3-severe more than two-thirds obstructed…”

“…EAE have an incidence of 3-6% in the general population [1,5] and usually remain asymptomatic. Only with progressive development can occlusion of the external auditory canal (EAC), promoted by cerumen or foreign material, lead to clinically significant complaints of external otitis, conductive hearing loss and tinnitus [1,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The degree of obstruction that results in clinically significant symptoms or requires medical treatment is not clearly understood [7,14,15].…”

Auditory Exostosis in Australian Warm Water Surfers: a Cross-sectional Study

“…At the WBRU, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to collect basic demographic data and to examine their sur ng habits and otological history, as described in our previous studies. [19,20] After completing the questionnaire, and in line with the methodology previously adopted by our research team, [19,20] all participants underwent clinical examination of both ears, via otoscopy, by an experienced Sport and Exercise Physician, using a hand-held, battery-powered digital otoscope (Digital MacroView™, Welch Allyn®, USA), capable of acquiring digital images.…”

“…Prior to providing written informed consent, all potential participants were given the opportunity to ask any questions about the research and about the testing procedure. [19,20] The explanatory statement illustrated the exam to be conducted, and contained a simple overview of the research project and its purpose. [19,20] The informed consent form was signed once participants were satis ed with the information provided.…”