Doc's Pro Plugs, don't go in the cold water without 'em.

"Nearly all patients have their surgeries performed through the ear canal and are done using the micro-chisels," says Dr. Djalilian of University of Calfornia Irvine's Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, adding, "We generally avoid using the drill except for rare special cases."

Mmm, that sounds nice. Surfer's Ear doesn't rule. For those that surf in colder water or windier lineups -- which I'm guessing is all of us -- ear problems can be hell. And the older and saltier you get the more Surfer's Ear becomes a factor. How's this for a stat: Cold water surfers are six times more likely to get Surfer's Ear than warm water surfers.

Surfer's Ear is a condition in which the bone of the ear canal goes into self-defense mode, forming bony growths called exostoses, which kind of protects the inner ear from the elements. Over time this can lead to blockage of the ear canal, which in turn can lead to degradation of your hearing. As well, it's more likely water and debris will get trapped deep in your dome, causing infection (aka Swimmer's Ear).

All this and more is reason to pick up a pair of Doc's Proplugs. Handy, inexpensive, they're billed as "ear problem prevention," and surfers have been stuffing them in the ears for over 30 years.

Patrick TrefzAs a good Santa Cruz surfer, Tyler Fox knows all about what Surfer's Ear can do.

WHY IT RULES:
Doc's Proplugs rule because not having somebody shove a chisel or drill in your ear is cool. But beyond that, they come in eight sizes "for lifelong protection," float, and won't cost you an arm and a leg or a trip to a specialist. Easy, over-the-counter protection ... kind of like, umm, nevermind.

Designed by Robert "Doc" Scott, MD, the good doctor's handiwork has been saving water folk from ear issues since 1977. Retiring from his practice in 1985, today Scott and his daughter, Brenda, run Doc's Proplugs out of Santa Cruz, and continue to surfer.

The plugs are hypo-allergenic, aren't made of a messy putty or wax, will help your ears equalize underwater (for when you're pinned on the bottom at Mavericks), and they have a tether/leash component that makes them a little harder to lose than other plugs.

WHERE TO FIND IT:
Most quality surf shops will have Doc's Proplugs behind the counter or in their accessory department. You may also be able to find them at better sporting good stores or swim or dive shops. Of course, this is the 21st Century, so it goes without saying that you can order them online. Check ProPlugs.com for more.