Eardrum injury any significant risk

[FarQueLot]

Yup blew my ear drum getting slammed, and have tinnitus now. Had unhooked and released to leash and still hit the back of a wave that hard that I had a mild concussion. I still don't use a helmet, prefer the freedom, but sure do pay attention to my surroundings. Did notice the front heading towards us, judged the land area we where in was unsafe and went out to the water. Glad I did as would not have wanted to get hit like that on land and no beach to safely land. Was like the kite got hit but the hand of the flying spaghetti monster.

[cwood]

Yep, bad crash on loop. Worst vertigo ever when I came up for air. Foil kite in the air and everything upside down in my mind. Subsided but head leaked for a week. Perforated drum. Helmet with ear covers or plugs for me. Doc observed surfers ear as well so need to manage that too. Cold and constant wind will cause your cartilage to grow inward and restrict ear canal.

[SWO_kite]

I have a history of ear problems outside of kite surfing. I wear ear plugs in the water no matter what I'm doing.

Back in 2012 I had a bad crash that blew out my right ear drum. I was already wearing ear plugs when this happened. Got extremely sick for about a month with an infection that resulted from the lake water entering the middle ear. After this incident I went back to my ENT and he recommended medical grade ear protection. I was sent with a prescription to the local hearing aid center(store?) where I was fitted for some custom ear plugs. Basically they made a mold of my ear and produced rubber/silicone plugs for me. I wear them ALL THE TIME when in the lake and still using the original pair that was made for me.They are quite large on the outer facing surface which makes them incredibly effective at impact resistance. I highly recommend this as a solution for anyone suffering from a weak/perforated ear drum. They are a little expensive, $350CAD, but having the confidence that my ears will survive many impacts for years to come is so worth it. If you have good work place health insurance they should cover it, in my experience. If not, I think it's a small price for protecting your ears from impact trauma.

[sergei Scotland]

Wonder if a 2mil neopren hood helps? Or still need a helmet?

[cwood]

Wonder if a 2mil neopren hood helps? Or still need a helmet?

Absolutely helps. Solves the issue. Won't help against impact of hard stuff of course.

[downunder]

I have a history of ear problems outside of kite surfing. I wear ear plugs in the water no matter what I'm doing.

Back in 2012 I had a bad crash that blew out my right ear drum. I was already wearing ear plugs when this happened. Got extremely sick for about a month with an infection that resulted from the lake water entering the middle ear. After this incident I went back to my ENT and he recommended medical grade ear protection. I was sent with a prescription to the local hearing aid center(store?) where I was fitted for some custom ear plugs. Basically they made a mold of my ear and produced rubber/silicone plugs for me. I wear them ALL THE TIME when in the lake and still using the original pair that was made for me.They are quite large on the outer facing surface which makes them incredibly effective at impact resistance. I highly recommend this as a solution for anyone suffering from a weak/perforated ear drum. They are a little expensive, $350CAD, but having the confidence that my ears will survive many impacts for years to come is so worth it. If you have good work place health insurance they should cover it, in my experience. If not, I think it's a small price for protecting your ears from impact trauma.

Actually,

Anyone can make this in 2mins with 2 component silicone.

If I will have some time will make a vid how to.

[downunder]

Wonder if a 2mil neopren hood helps? Or still need a helmet?

Absolutely helps. Solves the issue. Won't help against impact of hard stuff of course.

It does help, but lost at least 2-3 over the years. And then shit happens...
I just carry a spare plug in a pocket. Small and inexpensive.

[Matteo V]

Wonder if a 2mil neopren hood helps? Or still need a helmet?

I use a 1.5mm O'Neill hood in cold water. It is pretty loud in high winds and I am actually worried about the noise damage that may be occurring. Any one know if there is a wind/hood/noise ear damage link?

[FredBGG]

Just wear a helmet. Simple as that. A good kayaking helmet will do the job.

[dragnfly]

I've burst my left one once, and right one twice. I also have a bit of surfers ear (exostosis - the Doctors were well impressed, I guess it's not so common in Manchester, and I ended up with half a dozen trainee Doctors peering into my ears). I've also got pretty bad tinitus (don't know if it's linked, or just coincidence), and my hearing is really bad. The surfers ear makes it worse because I now get water trapped in my ears which is really hard to get out.
I've got these (i've got the 1.0 version) - they work great:
SURFEARS