Prevalence of exostoses among surfers of the Basque Coast

Exostoses of the External Auditory Canal are benign bony tumours very common in individuals who frequently practice water activities. The objective [corrected] of this study is to determine the prevalence of exostoses in a population of surfers of the Basque Coast. We have studied the correlation between years surfing and the prevalence and severity of exostoses. We have done a cross-sectional epidemiological study giving a questionnaire Twenty-five of the 41 surfers had surfer's ear (61%) and the prevalence was significantly higher in those who had surfed for more than 10 years (p < 0.05). Severity was also higher in the first group (p < 0.05). The relation between the hours dedicated to the sport showed similar results. only one of the 24 cases needed surgery (4%).