What do windsurfers and kitesurfers in Germany know about surfer's ear and how is it influenced by protective measures?

Objective: This study investigated the frequency of ear canal protection use and looked at its influence on external auditory exostosis severity and knowledge about external auditory exostosis among windsurfers and kitesurfers on the German coast.

Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study interviewed 130 windsurfers and kitesurfers along the German coast on knowledge of external auditory exostosis, exposure time, use of neoprene hoods and earplugs, and otological complaints. Participants underwent bilateral video-otoscopic examination.

Results: Knowledge of external auditory exostosis was 'good' or 'excellent' in 78 of 130 (60 per cent) individuals and 'poor' or non-existent in 52 of 130 (40 per cent) individuals. Knowledge was positively correlated with hours of exposure, otological complaints and frequency of ear canal protection use. A significant negative influence of neoprene hood use on external auditory exostosis severity was shown.

Conclusion: The positive effect of external auditory exostosis knowledge on the frequency of ear canal protection and the reduction of external auditory exostosis risk implies a need for health education on this topic.