SurfEars 4.0 Earplugs Surfers Ear Protection Plugs
Surfears are the world’s leading vented surf earplug. Blocks water. Lets sound in. Stays securely in place. Trusted by 500,000+ surfers, swimmers, divers and kayakers.
View our full surfears range here
What's In The Box
- 1 pair of ear plugs, pre-mounted with size L wings and M gels, and a detachable leash.
- Premium silicone storage case with magnet closure, ventilation holes for drying plugs in-case, and a carabiner for easy carry.
- Accessory cord with 3 additional sizes of tips (XS, S, L) size M wings. And a wingless option to ensure a perfect fit for nearly all ears.
The SurfEars Story
The Beginning of SurfEars
The story of SurfEars begins in southern Sweden, where Christian Dittrich had been surfing cold waters for over 25 years. But during a surf trip to Morocco in 2011, everything changed. After developing a severe ear infection, he lost hearing in one ear for nearly a week. Back home, medical exams revealed the underlying cause. Christian was suffering from advanced Surfer’s Ear in both ear canals — a common but serious condition among surfers. Faced with the limited options of using ineffective earplugs, undergoing risky surgery with only temporary relief, or giving up surfing altogether. Christian decided there had to be a better way.
The Challenge with Existing Ear plugs
Experimenting with various ear plugs on the market led to the conclusion, that wearing them clearly diminished the surfing experience. The inability to hear the environment isolated surfers. Hindering communication with fellow wave riders and affecting balance, a critical element for any surfer. Additionally, ill-fitting earplugs often resulted in discomfort and water leakage.
The Formation of the company
With a background in mechanical engineering and experience in designing mobile phones and acoustic materials, Christian, along with a small team of surfing and engineering friends, initiated their mission in southern Sweden. SurfEars was conceived in this early stage, laying the foundation for what would become a revolutionary product for the global surfing community.
Innovation and Design
The earplug project became an all-consuming passion, driving the team to explore countless ideas, concepts, and prototypes. With a 3D printer, an invaluable tool for ideation and testing, they tirelessly crafted new design concepts. The quest for the perfect earplug reached its zenith with the birth of the final design.
The Mission
The objectives were clear, to develop a product that protected ears without compromising hearing and balance. For surfers and water athletes, these senses are indispensable. The vision was to create a product that not only facilitated hearing the world around but also encouraged seamless communication among surfers, preserving a fun and engaging surfing experience. Comfort was non-negotiable; the aim was to design a product so comfortable that users could wear it for hours without a second thought.
Awareness and Prevention
We aspire to help others, raising awareness to prevent ear problems, including common issues like Surfer’s Ear and Swimmer’s Ear. This ensures everyone can savor more valuable moments in the waves. SurfEars is committed to continually evolving and improving, aligning our goals with the shared passion of the water-loving community.
Environmental Commitment
Our profound love for the ocean inspires us to make a minimal footprint in everything we do. We are dedicated to preserve the beauty of the sea, we aim to ensure that every aspect of our work, from creating SurfEars to embracing a sustainable ethos, minimizes our impact on the precious environment we hold dear.
The Growth
In 2020, our team relocated from Malmö to Kåseberga, a small fishing village, drawn by the long right-hander in the harbor and being closer to nature. Solidifying our connection with the very essence of surfing that inspires SurfEars. Today, SurfEars has evolved into more than a surfing companion. Embraced by divers, kayakers, swimmers, and all kinds of water enthusiasts, our community is growing, and that makes us incredibly happy.
Why Wear Ear plugs?
What is Surfer’s Ear?
Surfer’s Ear is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth within the ear canal. This phenomenon, medically known as exostosis, is the body’s natural response to repeated exposure to cold water and wind.
The bone growth serves as a protective mechanism for the eardrum but unfortunately continues to grow over time. This condition is prevalent among surfers due to their frequent exposure to windy and wet conditions—hence the name.
The rate of bone growth can vary among individuals and is influenced by factors such as water temperature and frequency of exposure.
What are the Symptoms?
Water Retention: If you find that water remains trapped in your ears after a surf session, it could be an early sign.
Recurrent Ear Infections: The narrowing of the ear canal makes it difficult for water to drain, increasing the risk of infections. This risk is particularly heightened for surfers who travel from colder to warmer climates with more polluted waters.
Advancements in wetsuit technology have enabled surfers to spend more time in colder waters, inadvertently increasing the prevalence of Surfer’s Ear.
Why Choose Surf Ears?
Traditional ear plugs can muffle sound, leaving you feeling disconnected in the water. SurfEars tackles this problem with an innovative design that incorporates acoustic mesh.
This feature allows you to hear clearly while effectively keeping water out, substantially reducing the risk of conditions like Surfer’s Ear and Swimmer’s Ear.
What sets SurfEars apart is its modular design and customisable fit, designed to accommodate 99% of all ears. Plus, the optional leash minimises the risk of misplacing or losing your plugs.