Canaloplasty

WHAT IS SURFER'S EAR?

Surfer’s ear (also called exostosis) is abnormal bone growth within the ear canal. The narrow ear canal traps skin, wax, and water which can cause ear infections or blocked hearing. The narrower the canal, the more frequently these issues occur.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

Surfer’s ear occurs when the ear canal is exposed to cold water or cold wind. It develops over time, but the more exposure someone has to cold, the more likely they are to have issues.

HOW DO I PREVENT IT?

The best way to prevent the problem is to avoid water exposure. Most surfers and divers are not willing to do this, so wearing ear plugs helps protect the ears from developing surfer’s ear and keeps the problem from worsening.

CAN MY EARS GET BETTER WITHOUT SURGERY?

If you suffer from surfer’s ear, we are here to help. Some patients can be managed with ear cleaning, medications, or water prevention, but others need to consider surgery so that they can enjoy the water comfortably again.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED SURGERY?

Each patient must make their own decision about when surgery is right for them. Most patients find surgery necessary when they are having frequent ear infections or hearing loss after swimming that causes them to avoid water activities. After surgery, many patients wish they would have considered it earlier.

HOW IS CANALOPLASTY SURGERY PERFORMED?

Under general anesthesia, Dr. Rebecca Golgert uses 1 mm chisels to precisely remove the enlarged bone. This microchisel technique is performed entirely through the ear canal. There is no drilling and no incision behind the ear.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER SURGERY?

Most patients find the recovery fairly easy. There is mild pain for a few days and hearing loss and drainage for a week. Most patients can return to work after a few days, but they are not permitted to swim or surf until the ear canal has healed. This typically takes 3-4 weeks but can take longer.

Dr. Rebecca Golgert learned the microchisel technique for surfer’s ear from Dr. Hetzler in Santa Cruz and has been performing this minimally-invasive procedure in Santa Barbara since 2016.