Test report: SurfEars 4.0 - the ultimate ear protection for water sports enthusiasts?

Anyone who regularly practises water sports in cold water and/or cold wind risks long-term bony changes in the ear canal, which can lead to constriction - the so-called "surfer's ear". This increases the risk of ear infections and, in extreme cases, the ear canal may have to be surgically "drilled open" after many years. You can find out all about this in the comprehensive article with expert interviews. The best protection against this is to protect your ears as much as possible from cold water and cooling.

In addition to simple earplugs, which are often used by swimmers, there are also higher-quality versions with an integrated membrane - the SurfEars 4.0, for example - which continue to ensure good hearing, which is an essential factor for orientation and safety on the water. We were able to try out the latest SurfEars version 4.0 and can recommend them with a clear conscience.

Good acoustics

A common problem with conventional earplugs is impaired hearing. Without a membrane, you are almost deaf with some earplugs. Thanks to their special design, SurfEars do not block sound, so you can still hold conversations and clearly hear ambient noise. However, when the safety line is fitted, it also transmits its own noise when the line rubs against the wetsuit or hits it.

Test result: The Acoustics of the Surf Ears 4.0 is very good - a decisive safety factor on the water.

Good fit

The right fit is crucial for the comfort and effectiveness of earmuffs. The Surf Ears 4.0 offer different size options for wings and seals, which allows for a customised fit for different sized ears and ear canals. The lamellae of the seals are made of very soft silicone and can only be felt by very sensitive ears.

Test result: After tests with different ear shapes, we can confirm that the Surf Ears 4.0 have a secure fit - even with lots of action on and in the water, everything stays in place.

Effective protection against water ingress

The main purpose of earplugs for water sports is to prevent water from entering the ear canal - cold water and wind in particular can even cause "surfers ear" (Exostoses, i.e. a permanent narrowing of the auditory canal). Even if an earplug allows a minimal amount of water to seep in, this is still completely sufficient for very good protection and noticeably prevents cooling. The SurfEars performed very effectively in the test: "The size M fitted me well," explained our tester after the surf session, "I didn't have any really hard falls onto the water today, but I didn't get any water or wind in my ears." "

Test result: The Surf Ears 4.0 also impressed us here: they offer good protection against water ingress.

Further advantages of the Surf Ears 4.0:

• Robust construction: Materials are resistant to salt water and UV radiation.
• Replaceable parts: The modular design enables simple exchange worn components.
• Easy cleaning: Easy to rinse after each use to remove salt and sand residues.
• Safety line included: The silicone cord supplied ensures that you don't lose your ear protection even after a complete rinse

Application tips:

To get the best out of your Surf Ears 4.0:

• Choose the right size: Simply test different size combinations for the best fit.
• Regular cleaning: Rinse with clear water after each use to prevent the membrane from becoming clogged with salt.
• Storage: Store in the case supplied to prevent damage.

Conclusion on the SurfEars 4.0: Very useful for many water sports enthusiasts

Investing in high-quality earmuffs - like the Surf Ears 4.0 tested here - is worthwhile both for the long-term protection of your ears and for your listening experience on the water! Earplugs with an integrated membrane offer optimum protection against cold, dirt and infections without compromising on comfort or hearing quality. The SurfEars 4.0 cost 54.95 euros >> available here.