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Surfer’s ear, or exostoses of the external auditory canal, is a slowly progressive disease from benign bone growth as a result of chronic cold water exposure. It is a condition most commonly associated with surfing but can be seen in anyone repeatedly exposed to cold water such as swimmers, divers, kayakers, and participants of other maritime activities. Although usually asymptomatic and benign, external auditory exostoses (EAE) can cause conductive hearing loss, recurrent otitis externa, otalgia, otorrhea, cerumen impaction, and water trapping. External auditory exostoses are irreversible. Treatment generally involves medical management but may include surgery if symptoms become severe. EAE is a preventable disease. Preventive measures include increased awareness of risk factors and consistent use of physical ear protection during cold water exposure., (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)

The term shallow water backout has been commonly used as a term for drowning, particularly when preceded by hyperventilation. Other terms used to describe this syndrome include: “underwater blackout,” “underwater blackout syndrome,” “sudden underwater blackout syndrome (SUBS),” “breath-holding blackout,” and “free-diver blackout.” Shallow water blackout means unconsciousness in water typically less than 15 feet (5 m) either due to equipment failure or prolonged breath-holding. This language can be misleading as drowning can occur at depths greater than 5 m as well.  The American Red Cross, YMCA, and U.S.A. swimming have since redefined the term as a hypoxic blackout. Hypoxic blackout is defined as “the loss of consciousness in the underwater swimmer or diver, during an apnea submersion preceded by hyperventilation, where alternative causes of unconsciousness have been excluded.”  Shallow water blackout has the potential to affect anyone in the water, even fit and experienced swimmers.[1] This condition can occur in any body of water, no matter the depth. Some people survive such an event as a result of prompt and effective rescue efforts. Others are not as fortunate. Preventive measures through an increased understanding of hypoxic blackouts are crucial to prevent tragic and unnecessary deaths., (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)