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External Auditory Canal Exostosis and the California Surfer Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ryan J Davis1, Oluwatobiloba Ayo-Ajibola1, Matthew E Lin2
1Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|August 7, 2024
Summary
Most California surfers know about ear conditions like exostoses but don't use earplugs due to discomfort or hearing loss. Increased education on preventing surfer's ear could improve earplug adoption.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- California has the highest number of surfers in the US.
- Surfers have a high prevalence of external auditory canal exostoses (EACEs), commonly known as surfer's ear.
- Understanding surfers' knowledge and earplug use is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess EACE knowledge among California surfers.
- To determine the prevalence of earplug use in this population.
- To identify barriers to earplug use and preferences for education.
Main Methods:
- A RedCap survey was distributed to surfers via online forums and at California beaches.
- Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
- The study included 334 college-educated surfers, averaging 30.79 years old.
Main Results:
- 90% of surfers had heard of EACE, and 96% believed earplugs prevent it.
- However, 65% had never used earplugs, citing reduced hearing, discomfort, and social hindrance.
- Increased age, higher EACE knowledge, and surfing in Southern California correlated with earplug use.
Conclusions:
- Low earplug use persists despite awareness, indicating a need for targeted EACE education and better earplug designs.
- Younger, less-skilled surfers may be a key group for intervention.
- Most surfers expressed willingness to use earplugs after further education, preferring information from surf communities and health professionals.
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