Do your ears hurt after every session?
Constant ringing. Recurring pain. Ears feeling blocked for hours. If this sounds familiar, you're probably developing exostosis.
Exostosis is a bone growth in the ear canal that develops from surfing in cold water. The problem? It progresses slowly and painlessly at first. By the time you notice it, it's often too late: repeated ear infections, hearing loss, surgical operation.
The good news: surf earplugs stop this process right now. And contrary to popular belief, they don't prevent you from hearing the waves coming.
How surf earplugs work
Earplugs for surfing are not like classic earplugs. They use an acoustic membrane that:
- Blocks cold water that triggers exostosis formation
- Allows air to pass through to maintain your balance
- Filters sounds without completely cutting them off
The result: your ears stay dry, you still hear what's happening around you, and your balance remains intact. Exactly what you need to surf without compromise.
The 5 criteria for choosing your earplugs
| Criterion | What to check |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Membrane that blocks 100% of water without compressing the ear canal |
| Retention | Stay in place during duck dives and wipeouts |
| Hearing | You hear other surfers and incoming sets |
| Balance | Do not block air pressure (crucial for balance) |
| Comfort | You forget you're wearing them after 5 minutes |
Market leaders
The 3 market leaders
Tested and approved by our riders
EQ Ear Plugs
Certified Sympatex® membrane, hypoallergenic medical silicone. Total waterproofing with preserved hearing and balance.
- Lifetime defect warranty
- 1 earplug loss warranty
- Applicator + tube included
- Fast delivery France
Surf Ears 4.0
Patented SurfEars™ technology with ultra-personalized fit. 6 possible configurations for a perfect fit.
- 6 tip/wing sizes
- Maximum retention (2m depth)
- 2-year manufacturer's warranty
- Choice of pro surfers
Surf Ears Junior 2.0
Protection adapted for small ears (6+ years). Comfortable, secure, and child-approved.
- XS tips included
- Detachable leash
- Premium silicone case
- For children 6+ years
1. EQ Ear Plugs – The clever choice (€43.90)
The EQ Ear Plugs combine a patented filtering membrane and ergonomic design. They are available in transparent or colored, with 3 tip sizes to fit all ear canals.
Strengths:
- Excellent value for money
- Long-lasting comfort (2h+ sessions)
- Solid retention with included safety leash
- Available at Zeus with fast delivery
2. Surf Ears 4.0 – The premium standard (€50)
The Surf Ears 4.0 use patented SurfEars™ technology with an adjustable anatomical design. The complete kit includes 6 possible configurations (3 tip sizes + 2 wing sizes).
Strengths:
- Ultra-personalized fit
- Maximum retention (certified up to 2m deep)
- 2-year manufacturer's warranty
- The choice of pro surfers
3. Surf Ears Junior 2.0 – Protection for children (€40)
The Surf Ears Junior 2.0 are specially designed for small ears (from 6 years old). They offer the same protection as the adult version with XS tips and a detachable leash system.
Strengths:
- Suitable for children from 6 years old
- XS tips included for small ear canals
- Detachable safety leash
- Premium silicone case provided
Maintenance: 3 steps to make them last 5 years
- Rinse with fresh water after each session (30 seconds is enough)
- Disinfect 1x/month with isopropyl alcohol (pharmacy)
- Store them in their ventilated case away from direct sunlight
Avoid aggressive cleaning products that can damage the filtering membrane. Replace them when you see cracks or they no longer hold as well.
Frequently asked questions
I already wear a hood, is that enough?
No. The hood protects from cold and wind, but does not filter water entering the ear canal. You need both: a hood for thermal comfort, earplugs to block exostosis.
Does it really make a difference for balance?
Classic earplugs (foam) can unbalance you. Special surf models (EQ, Surf Ears) let air pass through thanks to their membrane, so there's zero impact on balance. That's exactly why they exist.
I only surf in summer, do I need them?
Exostosis develops mainly in cold water (<18°C), but also with repeated exposure to wind. If you surf regularly (even in summer), wear earplugs. Prevention costs €40, surgery costs much more.
How do I know if I already have exostosis?
Symptoms: persistent ringing, feeling of blocked ears after a session, frequent ear infections, difficulty hearing in the water. If in doubt, consult an ENT doctor who will perform an examination in 5 minutes.
In summary
Surf earplugs are not an accessory. They are essential protection if you want to continue surfing in 10 years without pain or hearing loss.
Key takeaways:
- Exostosis progresses slowly but surely in cold water
- Special surf earplugs block water without cutting off hearing or balance
- EQ Ear Plugs offer the best performance/price ratio
- Surf Ears 4.0 are the premium standard
- Surf Ears Junior 2.0 protect children from 6 years old
- Maintenance is simple: rinsing + monthly disinfection
Protect your ears now, not when it's too late.
Updated December 2025
