To order Surfing Proplugs

Surfer's Ear
With a properly fitted set of Doc's Proplugs you can keep your ears warm and protected when you surf.

Normal Ear

Free flow of water in and out washes away precious ear wax.

Surfer's Ear

Bony growth typical of exostosis response to cold water and air.

• DOC'S PROPLUGS are the official earplug of the USSF National
  Surf Team

• Endorsed by International Surfing Association

Many advances in wetsuit materials and design have made it possible to keep the body comfortable in even some of the most extreme conditions. However, even if they use hoods that cover their ears many surfers have experienced the bothersome blockage caused by Surfer's Ear. The medical term for Surfer's Ear is exostosis, which is a bony growth in the ear canal occurring when the bone is irritated by cold over many years of exposure. Cold or warm air blowing over wet skin lowers the temperature by evaporation thus stimulating bony growth even in the tropics. The skin's surface is also cooled by conduction, radiation and convection wich causes heat loss and triggers exostosis (Surfer's Ear).

A DOC'S PROPLUG protects the ear by keeping a warm pocket of air in the canal and keeps most cold water out without impeding hearing and balance. Scott's valve, a hole (vent) in the inner diaphragm, allows the transfer of air and thus sound waves and differences in air pressure while water does not pass through the hole in wipeouts. The surface water tension on the outside of the valve keeps the water out, but lets air and voice in. Anyone with severe narrowing of the ear canal can avoid frequent water blockage by wearing PROPLUGS. . In some cases, surfer's ear can only be cured through surgery. However, the latest research suggests that severe exostosis can be slowed by keeping the ears religiously warm around the clock with plugs and woolen/silk head bands, hats, or hoods, especially when sleeping at night.