Editing Surfing (section)

===Ear damage===
[[File:Man Wearing Molded Ear Plugs.jpg|thumb|right|Man wearing protective [[ear plugs]]]]
Surfers sometimes use ear protection such as ear plugs to avoid [[surfer's ear]], inflammation of the ear or other damage. Surfer's ear is where the bone near the ear canal grows after repeated exposure to cold water, making the ear canal narrower. The narrowed canal makes it harder for water to drain from the ear. This can result in pain, infection and sometimes [[Tinnitus|ringing of the ear]].

Ear plugs designed for surfers, swimmers and other water athletes are primarily made to keep water out of the ear, thereby letting a protective pocket of air stay inside the ear canal. They can also block cold air, dirt and bacteria. Many designs are made to let sound through, and either float and/or have a leash in case the plug accidentally gets bumped out.