Lifetime prevalence of exostosesin New Zealand surfers
Date
2019-04-03Citation:
Simas, V., Remnant, D., Furness, J., Bacon, C.J., Moran, R.W., Hing, W.A., & Climstein, M. (2019). Lifetime prevalence of exostoses in New Zealand surfers. Journal of Primary Health Care, 11 (1), 47-53. doi:doi:10.1071/HC18097Permanent link to Research Bank record:
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4731Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
External auditory exostosis (EAE) is a benign, irreversible bony outgrowth that arises from the temporal bone. EAE projects into the external ear canal, potentially causing recurrent otitis externa and conductive hearing loss.
AIM:
To determine lifetime prevalence of EAE in New Zealand (NZ) surfers.
METHODS:
This study used an online national survey.
RESULTS:
Respondents were 1376 NZ surfers (recreational = 868, competitive = 508). Mean surfing experience was 16.2 years. Most self-classified as advanced surfers (36.5%), followed by intermediate (30.2%), expert (20.1%) and beginner (13.2%). Surfers reported an average of 214.2 h surfing (28.6% during winter) for the previous year. Overall lifetime prevalence of EAE was 28.9% (32.1% male, 14.6% female P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of EAE was observed bilaterally (21.3%). Competitive surfers reported a significantly (P < 0.001) higher lifetime prevalence of EAE than recreational surfers (45.3% vs. 19.2%). A significantly higher (P < 0.001) lifetime prevalence of EAE was identified as skill level increased (7.1% in beginners to 55.6% in experts) and a two-fold increase (P < 0.001) of EAE in the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of surfing exposure. Neither winter surfing exposure nor which Island surfed were associated with EAE prevalence.
DISCUSSION:
Although not as prevalent as in previous NZ research using otologic examinations, this study indicated that almost one-third of NZ surfers reported having had a diagnosis of EAE. Regular general practitioner otologic assessment and advice on appropriate prevention strategies for patients who surf may help prevent large lesions, recurrent ear infections
and progressive hearing loss.
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN:
External auditory exostosis (EAE) is a reactive process that has been documented in surfers in Australia, Japan, Ireland, USA and the UK who were repeatedly exposed to water temperatures below 19°C. New Zealand (NZ) water temperatures range from 9.5°C to 21°C depending on latitude and season. Therefore, NZ surfers are likely to be susceptible to EAE.
WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:
This research identified a 29% lifetime prevalence of EAE in NZ recreational and competitive surfers, highlighting the importance of regular otologic screening by general practitioners of patients who surf to identify EAE in the early stages and promote preventive care measures.