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The effects of surfing behaviour on the development of external auditory canal exostosis

  • Otology
  • Published:
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Abstract

To examine how individual surfing behaviour affects the development of external auditory canal exostosis and to produce a model to predict exostosis severity. A standardised questionnaire was completed and each participant underwent an otoscopic examination. Surfers were recruited from August to October 2011 from surfing competitions and from colleges in the South West of England. 207 surfers were included, 53 % had evidence of external auditory canal; exostosis: grade 1, 23 %; grade 2, 16 %, grade 3, 16 %. This risk of exostosis significantly increased with (1) surfing for 6 or more years, (2) surfing in the winter months, (3) surfing five or more times per month in the winter and (4) reported ear symptoms. Interestingly, participation in other water sports and wearing earplugs or a hood reduced the risk of developing exostosis. Surfers who surf in England are at significant risk of exostosis. A probability model was designed, incorporating different surfing behaviours and ear symptoms, the first of its kind in exostosis research. This model will be a useful tool for raising awareness of external ear canal exostosis in the surfing community and in assessing individual need for surgical intervention.

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Acknowledgments

Andrew Bailey, University of Plymouth, Centre for Health and Environmental Statistics, Research Assistant is acknowledged for aiding with the completion of the statistical analysis.

Conflict of interest

This study was not sponsored by any individual or group. There are no conflicts of interest.

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Correspondence to V. Alexander.

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Work completed by institution: Ear, Nose and Throat Department in conjunction with the University of Plymouth.

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Alexander, V., Lau, A., Beaumont, E. et al. The effects of surfing behaviour on the development of external auditory canal exostosis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 272, 1643–1649 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-014-2950-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-014-2950-5

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