Ear plugs for perforated ear drum

[ALM]

Hello!

I've perforated my ear drum just in time for a weeks surfing trip to morocco. The doctor said as long as i don't get any water in i should be fine, so can anyone recommend some COMPLETELY water tight ear plugs/methods of plugging ears? Im not bothered about the plugs reducing my hearing, way more concerned that they don't let any water in.

Thanks!

[oldmansurfer]

I haven't had that problem but apparently there are lots of ear plugs for surfers and I found this article for you https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/11578-the-best-ear-plugs-for-surfers

[kookRachelle]

That truly sucks, I'm sorry to hear. Be careful - water in the middle ear hurts like nothing else. Ocean water in the middle ear = infection, I guarantee it. I'd be extremely surprised if your doctor told you you could surf with earplugs, but I am trying not to make that assumption/judgment. I mean, just the thought of shoving them in there with a ruptured tympanic membrane makes me cringe.

That said, I surfed with 3 pins protruding from my finger this summer against the advice of my surgeon and put myself at risk for osteomyelitis (bone infection), so I assure you, I get it. I don't have a recommendation for ear plugs, but I do advise that you travel to Morocco prepared with some ear drying and antibiotic drops. Ear drying drops are easy enough to get at any pharmacy. You might want to ask the doctor for a script for the antibiotic drops "just in case." Just say that you don't plan to get it wet and you will most likely not need, but you don't want to be in a foreign country with a middle ear infection. And you will know if/when you have a middle ear infection. Take care in letting it heal properly when you can - you don't want it affecting your hearing or equilibrium long term.

[billie_morini]

kookRachelle said, "That said, I surfed with 3 pins protruding from my finger this summer against the advice of my surgeon and put myself at risk for osteomyelitis (bone infection), so I assure you, I get it."

billie said, "I like this young lady. Grit and stoke."

[benjl]

I surf with the v2 surfers ear plugs but I'd would say it is near impossible to not get any water in during the session. They keep most of the water out but water always gets in and the seals come lose during wipeouts etc.

I would be extremely careful if I was you. I got a series of ear infections last year from surfing without plugs and it took nearly a month in the end to clear up with 2x different kinds of antibiotics and the anti water ear drops. It was horrible.
I haven't tried the silicone ear plugs but would assume they also let some water in?

[ALM]

So i went to speak to an audiologist and they advised getting a custom ear plug (costing around £40 for one) and to get some antibiotics just in case. The ear plug wasnt completely water tight but did stop almost all the water getting in, i didnt have any pain or discomfort so i guess it did its job. It did however fall out after a big wave hit the side of my face, never to be seen again! After that I just used silicone putty, which worked just as well, and didnt fall out once. So i think i'll be used them from now on!