Deafness threat to unwary surfers

By ewherry emma wherry

A SURFER from Wadebridge is warning others about the dangers of going deaf while enjoying the sport.

Giles Wilson has been riding the waves since he was 15 but never thought his passion would leave him needing an operation.

Now he is hoping that others will take his advice and start wearing ear plugs when in the water to stop them from getting surfer's ear.

The condition affects the ear canal where the bony lining under the skin develops a number of lumps that grow into the tube. This can eventually cause a partial or even complete blockage of the ear canal.

If the ear canal is narrowed, water and debris can get trapped, causing a very painful infection which is difficult to treat. In very advanced cases it can cause deafness.

Giles said: "If someone had told me how easily you can go deaf through surfing when I first started, I would have been shocked. But would it have made me wear ear plugs? I honestly don't think it would have."

Giles recommends that anyone who has been surfing for five years or more should have their hearing tested.

He said: "Or try this; put some ear plugs in and spend half an hour doing everyday things like putting the kettle on, talk to someone, eat something or put some music on. You will feel the difference in your balance and hearing. It's a great way to give you a glimpse of what I am talking about. You'll be amazed how bad it can be.

"The important thing to remember is this is a gradual process. Going deaf  doesn't happen overnight. It creeps up on you until it's too late.

"At first I was angry and frustrated that I had suddenly lost all my hearing in one ear. I knew why – not wearing ear plugs for 23 years.

"It has a massive effect on you when you lose your hearing; you have moments of panic and short breathing and restlessness. I started to realise that this wasn't just another one of the ear infections that I got on a regular basis, but this was here to stay. I had gone half deaf."

Giles thinks that warnings about surfer's ear should be as well highlighted as other dangerous elements of the sea including strong currents.

He said: "Right now we have a surfing frenzy in Cornwall. In summer you're lucky to have one wave to yourself without someone dropping in on you, or worse still, take off and fall off right in front of your duck dive.

"So, with so many starting to surf for the first time, it is vitally important that the next decade of surfers is more aware than I was. You can go deaf in time from surfing frequently, so wear ear plugs."

Although Giles has already undergone one operation, his other ear has also been affected and he now has to wait six months before deciding whether to have another procedure.

He said: "It's fundamentally about looking after yourself. We are  here for a short stay on this planet, so make it a ritual that next time you go surfing you wax your board, zip up your wetsuit and put in your custom-made ear plugs. Have fun with the reassurance that you're looking after your health."