Ah, just when I was feeling real old (I turn 35 next month), this thread came along and made me feel like a kid again! After having paddled for a few years in Florida I moved to central California (last year). I'm getting used to the water being a LOT colder out here but have started to hear things from people about "surfer's ear" (exotosis?). "They" say the cold water causes the bones in the ear to grow and can affect hearing, etc. So old farts, uh, better make that knowledgable Paddlewisers, CAN YOU STILL HEAR? :-) Considering the fact that I seem to be addicted to practicing those rolls and braces every time I paddle (even though my ears are numb), how long 'til I have to have this bone "chisled" out of my ear? (Currently wriggling in the anticipation of such an event.) Frank *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I used to paddle (wave skis) and dive in Cape Town, South Africa, where the water is typically in the high 40s in winter and 50s in summer. The condition is quite common in Cape Town as I'm sure it is in California. I have noticed one of my ears has closed down to the point that a Q-Tip will just fit. I have to be very careful, after diving, to remove ALL moisture, or the ear will get infected. My solution is to avoid cold water! I don't dive or roll if the water is <80F. cu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
>Considering the fact that I seem to be addicted to practicing those >rolls and braces every time I paddle (even though my ears are numb), how >long 'til I have to have this bone "chisled" out of my ear? (Currently >wriggling in the anticipation of such an event.) > >Frank Actually, it's a good idea to practice rolls with earplugs in. First, the splash can make the ears ring if you happen to hit the water just right with your ear. Second, when rolling in cold water, the cold can cause the fluid in the labyrinth to change viscosity and this, in turn, can cause vertigo and nausea. I have not experiened vertigo, but I have gotten a bit "woozy" from rolling in cold water. Ear plugs have stopped all this. Robert *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Ah but the infection commonly called SWIMMERS EAR is only one problem that people may develop. If you have lived all of your life in Barbados then you might not have heard about another problem common to people who dive or swim in COLD WATER. Repeated cold water in the ear can cause the bones of the ear canal to thicken and narrow the ear canal, no infection needed. I have this problem in my left ear and have to be very careful to keep that ear especially (and both ears in general) very clean and dry. Any slight inflamation will close the ear up completely causing lots of pain and suffering. There is a surgery available, but it is not very reliable. BTW Now that I have this problem I must be very careful to never get swimmers ear because it will result in a trip to the doctor or emergency room. Prevention is good, just always paddle and swim in warm water. :-)) michael kayaker_at_caribsurf.com wrote: > > Just some info for you goodly people, from Kayak Surfer Dave in Barbados, West Indies. > > Re SWIMMER'S EAR as its called.... an infection of the ear canal caused by moisture..... make a mixture of 50% white vinegar and 50% alcohol. Keep in a dropper bottle. Put a few drops in each ear after coming out of the sea, river, pool, whatever. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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