information on surfers ear?

Surfer's ear is usually caused by cold water, but it doesn't necessarily have to be water flooding your ear. Wet and windy environments can cause it too.

The cold and wet irritate the ear and in response, bony growths form in the ear canal, making it narrower. Initially this doesn't cause a problem, but as it progresses, it can be harder for your ears to drain water, which can lead to frequent ear infections. In the worst cases, the growths close off the ear canal so much that it affects hearing.

If you're regularly in cold water without earplugs or other protection such as a neoprene hood, you will get surfer's ear. The growths form slowly so it could be years before you develop serious problems.

Using ear plugs won't eliminate the growths already there, but they'll keep your ear canal warm and dry, slowing or preventing new growth. The only way to eliminate the growths is through surgery. They literally drill out your ear canal. Not pleasant.