December 27, 2023

Protect Your Ears: A Guide to Surfing Earplugs

Surfing is an amazing sport that allows you to connect with the ocean and ride incredible waves. However, all that time spent in the water can take a toll on your ears. As a surfer, it’s crucial to protect your ears to avoid surfer’s ear and other painful conditions. That's why using quality surfing earplugs is essential.

This complete guide to surfing earplugs will teach you why they're important, how to choose the best pair, top products on the market, and tips for use and care. Read on to learn why ear protection should be part of every surfer's toolkit.

Why Are Surfing Earplugs Essential?

Surfing earplugs serve several key functions:

Prevent Surfer's Ear

Also called exostosis or swimmer’s ear, surfer’s ear is a condition where bone grows in the ear canal after repeated cold water exposure. This causes severe pain and can require surgery if left untreated. Wearing earplugs forms a protective barrier against the cold ocean water.

Guard Against Infections

Surfing earplugs prevent bacteria from entering the ear canal, reducing the chance of painful infections like otitis externa. This is key if you have cuts inside your ear or perforated eardrums.

Keep Ears Warm

Even in warm tropical waters, surfing earplugs maintain ear temperature and prevent conditions like swimmer’s ear. This helps you surf longer without discomfort.

Reduce Wind Damage

The high winds created while surfing can damage your eardrums over time. Earplugs protect against this wind, keeping your ears safer even after heavy surf sessions.

Improve Balance

Specialized surfing earplugs allow some ambient noise in, which can actually improve balance. This ambient noise gives your ears spatial orientation cues.

Lower Risk of Hearing Loss

Loud waves crashing over your head can contribute to premature hearing loss. Earplugs reduce these intense water noises and protect long-term hearing.

How to Choose Surfing Earplugs

With many surfing earplug options on the market, it's important to find the best pair tailored for your needs. Here are key factors to consider:

Comfort

Earplugs should fit comfortably without pain or pressure. Consider ergonomic shapes that mirror ear anatomy and soft silicone materials.

Staying Power

Look for earplugs that grip the ear canal firmly. Loose earplugs can dislodge while duck diving through waves. Opt for wraparound shapes or ear straps.

Waterproofness

Your earplugs must form a watertight seal to keep water out of the ear canal. Many high-end earplugs have IPX7 waterproof ratings.

Noise Reduction Rating

Some earplugs block noise completely, while others allow ambient sounds in. Lower NRR is better for balance but reduces hearing protection.

Ease of Insertion

The best earplugs have tapered or compressed shapes that slide into the ear canal smoothly without discomfort. Avoid bulky designs.

Adjustability

Custom earplugs molded to your ears' shape provide maximum comfort and protection. Or opt for putty-style plugs you can mold yourself.

Cord Option

Corded earplugs join both plugs together so you won’t lose one while surfing. The cord wraps behind your head or attaches to swim caps.

Price

Surfing earplugs range from $10 for basic foam up to $200 for custom options. Set a budget based on your surfing frequency and protection needs.

Top Surfing Earplugs

With an endless array of products to choose from, here are some of the top-rated surfing earplugs on the market:

Doc's ProPlugs

The gold standard trusted by pro surfers, these allow ambient noise in while blocking damaging loud noises. The triple flange conical shape provides a customized fit.

Key Features:

Patented pressure-equalizing filter system
Lowers noise 15-20 decibels only
Triple conical flanges for secure fit
Made of firm, body-heat moldable silicone

EQ Earplugs

Using subtle ventilation channels, these earplugs balance water protection with spatial awareness. The pebble-shaped exterior increases grip and retention.

Key Features:

Lets in very low frequency sounds
Reduces noise 16 decibels
Textured pebble exterior for grip
Made of soft, flexible silicone

Wavy Ocean Earplugs

Featuring a unique ridged shape, these earplugs lock tightly into the ear canal contours. An affordable option great for kids and casual surfers.

Key Features:

Unique ridged shape locks into ears
Bright colors for high visibility
Foam material is very soft
Reduces noise 32 decibels

SurfEars 2.0

These German-engineered earplugs allow you to hear directional sounds clearly. The adjustable cord ensures you won’t lose them while surfing.

Key Features:

Earplugs connected by adjustable cord
Filters out loud noises only
Ergonomic ridge shape for grip
Made of soft silicone material

JBL Hydro Seals

From the audio tech brand, these waterproof earplugs have a unique pump tip for the ultimate custom fit. They come with a sturdy attachable cord.

Key Features:

Unique pump tip expands for custom fit
Earplugs connected by rubber cord
Fun bright colors and designs
Made of soft waterproof silicone

Mack’s AquaBlock Earplugs

The AquaBlock line features soft moldable putty you can shape yourself for a custom in-ear fit. The putty fills every contour snugly and blocks external noise.

Key Features:

Moldable silicone putty conforms to ear shape
Creates a watertight seal
Reusable for up to 200 uses
Comes with plastic carry case

How To Insert and Remove Earplugs

Learning how to properly wear your surfing earplugs ensures maximum protection and comfort in the water.

To Insert:

Wash your hands before handling earplugs
Pull ear up and back to straighten ear canal
Slowly twist the earplug into the canal until flush
Hold 20-30 seconds while the plug expands

To Remove:

Wash hands first
Tilt head to side and gently pull on flap
Slowly twist plug out without pinching
Never yank the cord (if attached)

Take your time removing and cleaning earplugs to avoid damage. Always store them in protective cases when not in use.

Caring For Your Surfing Earplugs

Investing in quality surfing earplugs means taking good care of them for longevity:

Cleaning

Use mild soap and warm water. Never use alcohol or cleaning solutions, as this can degrade the materials.

Storage

Keep earplugs in a sealed case and avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat, which can warp shapes.

Replacing

Inspect earplugs regularly and replace immediately if any damage, tears or missing pieces occur. Most last 6 months to 1 year.

Avoiding Damage

Be very gentle inserting, removing and handling earplugs. Tugging or twisting can weaken materials over time.

Treating your earplugs well means they’ll keep protecting those ears during future surf sessions!

Surfing Earplug Precautions

While high-quality earplugs are very safe, take these precautions:

Consult a doctor before use if you have ear drainage, pain, or rashes
Very rarely, earplugs can cause wax buildup or ear canal tears
Discontinue use if you experience symptoms like dizziness or muffled hearing
Avoid sharing earplugs with others due to bacteria spreading risk

Ready to Protect Your Ears?

As you can see, wearing surfing earplugs is crucial for avoiding surfer’s ear and staying comfortable while catching waves. Investing in a quality pair tailored for your needs will let you surf safely for years to come.

Remember to consider comfort, noise reduction, secure fit, waterproofing, and adjustability when selecting earplugs. Taking proper care of them also ensures maximum longevity through all your adventures riding the surf.

The ocean waves are calling! Grab your protective surfing earplugs and get ready to catch some waves without hurting your ears. Your future self will thank you.

FAQs: Earplugs for Surfing

1. Why should I wear earplugs while surfing?

Wearing earplugs while surfing helps prevent surfer's ear, cold water, and wind damage. They also protect against infections and maintain ear temperature for comfortable surfing.

2. What are the best surfing earplugs?

Some of the top surfing earplugs include SurfEars 3.0, Doc's ProPlugs, EQ Earplugs, Wavy Ocean, and Mack's Ear Seals with Leash.

3. How do I choose the right surfing earplugs?

Consider factors like comfort, noise reduction, secure fit, waterproofing, and adjustability when selecting surfing earplugs.

4. How do I insert and remove surfing earplugs?

To insert, pull your ear up and back to straighten the ear canal, then slowly twist the earplug into the canal. To remove, tilt your head to the side and gently pull on the flap, slowly twisting the plug out.

5. How do I clean and store my surfing earplugs?

Use mild soap and warm water to clean your earplugs, and store them in a sealed case away from direct sunlight or extreme heat.

6. How often should I replace my surfing earplugs?

Inspect earplugs regularly and replace them immediately if any damage, tears, or missing pieces occur. Most earplugs last 6 months to 1 year.

7. Can I use earplugs for other water sports?

Yes, many surfing earplugs can also be used for other water sports like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

8. Can I wear earplugs if I have an ear infection or perforated eardrums?

Consult a doctor before using earplugs if you have ear drainage, pain, or rashes, as they may cause further discomfort or damage.

9. Can I share earplugs with others?

Avoid sharing earplugs with others due to the risk of bacteria spreading.

10. Can I wear earplugs if I have custom earmolds?

Yes, some surfing earplugs like SurfEars offer customizable options to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

11. Can I wear earplugs if I have a history of ear infections?

If you have a history of ear infections, consult a doctor before using earplugs to avoid further complications.

12. Can I wear earplugs if I have a history of ear surgeries?

If you have a history of ear surgeries, consult a doctor before using earplugs to avoid further complications.

13. Can I wear earplugs if I have a history of ear trauma?

If you have a history of ear trauma, consult a doctor before using earplugs to avoid further complications.

14. Can I wear earplugs if I have a history of ear infections?