The Dangers Of Surfing Without Ear Plugs
Surfers have been surfing for hundreds of years before Caucasians came along and decided they wanted to surf too. Now, people of all nationalities surf the same beaches, enjoying the sport as is. There is just one problem; ear protection.
Now, you might be thinking, "People have surfed for hundreds of years--why should anyone wear ear protection?" That is because no one told you about the dangers your ears face when you surf because they did not know either. Here are the dangers of surfing without surfer ear plugs to protect your ears.
Developing Swimmer's Ear
You have heard of swimmer's ear. It is a nasty outer ear infection that you get from a constant influx of water from the ocean, river, lake or swimming pool. In your case, it is the ocean, since you are in the ocean surfing often. The bacteria in the ocean water gets into your ear, mingles with water that is trapped in the ear canal, and multiplies to create one seriously painful infection. Now, if you had ear plugs in your ears, no water could enter, and your ears would be fine.
Water Pressure
Surfing is an impressive sport, especially when you create that perfect tube of water and just glide right through it and wipeout on the end. Unfortunately, it is the wipeouts that can damage your ears. The tubes of water are created by fast-rolling high-pressure, tall waves. When that water hits your ear drums, you can feel a slight pop, right? That is the water pressure slamming your ear drums and sending pressure through your otic nerves. It is just one of the causes for hearing loss among surfers.
Noise Pollution
Just when you thought the ocean was a safe, comforting place for your ears, you find out that the oceans, too, have their noise pollution. Unfortunately, much of the noise pollution in the water is more readily seen than heard, as sonar waves and other such devices send signals through the water. These signals do not stop, but ride the waves to shore. Along with that, the loudness of crashing waves with an approaching storm can be deafening, making it impossible to even hear someone talking to you.
As scientists have shown, noise pollution, in any form, causes hearing loss. If the sounds of the waves draws you to surfing, imagine not being able to hear the waves ten, fifteen, or even twenty years from now. Imagine the regret when you realize that something as simple as ear plugs could have prevented your condition.
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