The 10 best ear plugs for surfing in 2024
Have you been surfing for over a decade? Are you familiar with surfer's ear or exostosis? If not, get yourself a pair of good ear plugs before it is too late. Discover the best ear plugs for surfing.
First advice: don't watch surgical footage of an abnormal bone growth being removed from the ear canal. You'll freak out even knowing the whole process requires general anesthesia.
Surfer's ear - scientifically known as exostosis - is a condition caused by cold wind and water that results in abnormal growth of bone in the ear canal.
With time and exposure to adverse weather conditions, your ear canal gets constricted and traps water and wax. As a result, you'll develop infections, otitis, and in the worst cases, deafness.
The problem usually starts to occur in surfers and watermen/waterwomen in their 30s, but exostosis is possible at any age.
Surfer's ear is a very common condition in North America, Europe, and Northeast Asia, but it can affect surfers who travel to regions where average air temperatures go below 66 °F (19 °C).
Do you really want a bony growth blocking your ears and affecting hearing and balance?
Of course not. But you'll need to start wearing ear protection as soon as possible.
What Makes Good Ear Plugs
The good news is that modern surf ear plugs will allow you to ride waves in cold air and water temperatures without sacrificing performance.
They're quite comfortable, easy to use, and washable. And they're medical devices, too.
But above all else, they've got to block wind and water effectively, adjust comfortably to the ear canal, and allow you to hear.
Each brand has its own ergonomic design, but in the end, they've got to stay in your ears for the whole session. A few models offer adjustable parts so that you can choose the right size for your ears.
Some high-end waterproof ear plugs come in handy cases, which is good because they allow you to keep them protected and accessible after getting out of the water.
In fact, they're so small that you can lose them easily. So, here's what you should be looking for in a good pair of surfer earplugs:
- Maximum blockage of wind and water;
- Adjustability and adaptability;
- Comfort while wearing a wetsuit and surfing;
- Hearing;
- Leash;
- Protection case;
- Quality of materials;
Take a look at the best ear plugs for surfing and surfers in 2024:
SurfEars 4
SurfEars 4 is made in Sweden. They were designed to let the sound in and keep water out.
With an improved core and mesh, SurfEars 4.0 is built to withstand harsh elements and last longer with proper care.
For added comfort, especially under winter hoods or for those with smaller ears, SurfEars 4.0 now includes a wingless option that ensures a secure, non-intrusive fit.
Available in fresh Black/Sage and Coral/Sky color combinations, adding style to your surfing gear.
SurfEars 4.0 is made using recycled ocean plastics and reclaimed silicone, helping to reduce plastic waste in our seas.
Included is one pair of SurfEars earplugs, pre-fitted with size L wings and M gels, plus a removable leash.
The kit also comes with a premium silicone storage case with a magnetic closure, ventilation holes for drying the plugs, and a carabiner for easy transport.
There's also an accessory pack containing three extra tip sizes (XS, S, L) and a wingless option, ensuring a great fit for nearly everyone.
Buy: Amazon.com
Eartune Aqua U
The Eartune Aqua U earplugs provide incredible comfort and effectively protect the outer ear canal from low temperatures.
Its waterproof filter keeps the sound in and the water out. So you won't have any problems hearing your surroundings and will listen to all conversations without taking them off.
The kit comes with medium and large ear tips and hooks that will fit any man or woman.
These surfer earplugs are made from 100 percent hypoallergenic silicone, meaning you can clean them with a damp cloth.
Buy: Amazon.com
Doc's Pro Plugs
Doc's Pro Plugs protect your ears by keeping a warm pocket of air in the canal and leaving most cold water out without impeding hearing and balance.
They are custom-molded to fit comfortably in the outer ear (auricle) instead of the ear canal, preventing earwax buildup.
They come in eight different sizes to ensure a perfect fit. The reason we love them is because they effectively block cold wind and water from affecting the ear canal.
The vented version reduces sound by about 20dB and can be purchased with or without a leash.
For even greater sound reduction, the non-vented version offers 30dB and is available in blue and pink.
The soft, hypoallergenic Kraton plastic model floats and is extremely comfortable. It's the best protection against surfer's ear on the market.
Buy: Amazon.com
FNGXX
FNGXX earplugs are made from super soft silicone, so they are lightweight, easy to wear, and contoured for a snug fit that minimizes water leakage without feeling hard in the ear.
These earplugs are shaped according to the natural structure of the human cochlea, featuring an anti-slip design that keeps them securely in place, so you don’t have to worry about them falling out while surfing or swimming.
They are washable and reusable. After each use, simply clean them and store them in the provided cases.
Each kit comes with three pairs of swimming earplugs and three storage cases, making them ideal for different family members or for rotating colors.
Suitable for adults and kids over 14 years old.
Buy: Amazon.com
Mack's Ear Seals
Mack's Ear Seals are made from two different types of silicone - one for the rigid inner core and another for the soft seal rings - and do not contain any latex.
They are designed to both reduce noise and block out water and come with a detachable leash and can be washed and reused.
The storage case will protect the kit from the elements.
If you're a surfer who also swims in the pool, this could be a great option.
Buy: Amazon.com
JBL Hydro Seals
JBL Hydro Seals prevent water from entering the inner ear and were developed by American audio equipment company JBL.
Ideal for swimmers, surfers, and divers, they make it easier to equalize pressure in the ears while in the water.
They also help prevent temporary balance issues. Thanks to their multi-baffle design, they will stay in place all the time.
Hocks Noise Braker technology forms a barrier to block water from the inner ear without sealing it completely, allowing sound to come through and preventing water pressure from affecting the ear.
These earplugs are hypoallergenic and are made from soft silicon. To extend their lifespan, all you have to do is wash them after each use.
Buy: Amazon.com
Mack's AquaBlock
Mack's Aquablock ear plugs are made of ultra-soft, flexible silicone and offer excellent comfort and water protection.
They feature an easy-to-grip stem for hassle-free insertion and removal and are great for surfing, showering, kayaking, snorkeling, rafting, and even bathing.
A durable carrying case is included, keeping the earplugs clean and protected from dust and wear.
Mack's Aquablock kits are washable and reusable for extended wear.
Buy: Amazon.com
Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone
Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone earplugs are effective but work differently. Each silicone unit is pliable and moldable to your ear.
It will not let cold water or air in, which means you won't hear very well. It's radical protection for the most conservative surfers.
If you're really more worried about protecting your ears from exostosis, this is one of the strongest options.
These top-selling earplugs are safe, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic. They are also safe for use with ear tubes and after ear surgeries.
Buy: Amazon.com
Oken Ear Plugs
Oken ear plugs allow sound to enter but will prevent water from entering the ear canal while you're surfing, keeping it safe from infections.
It's available in three different sizes (small, medium, and large) to ensure a perfect fit for your ears' shape.
Buy: Amazon.com
EQ Seals
EQ Seals offer an innovative design made of medical silicone. The one-size model will fit 95 percent of users.
However, this might not be an option for medium-to-large surf: the absence of a leash will result in losing the ear plugs.
Buy: Amazon.com
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
The surf earplug review has been updated on September 16, 2024.
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