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Hospitals at Saolta University Health Care Group

Virtual Remembrance Service at Sligo University Hospital

This week Sligo University Hospital invites parents and their families who have experienced bereavement, through the death of a baby or child or who have experienced pregnancy loss, to watch a virtual Remembrance Service video online from today (23 November) until Sunday December 06.

The virtual Remembrance Service was put together by staff in the hospital with support from bereaved families and representatives from different faiths.

Research and Education Foundation at Sligo University Hospital welcomes Local, National and International Speakers to its Research Conference later this month

The Research and Education Foundation at Sligo University Hospital holds its 21st annual Multidisciplinary Research Conference on November 27th with local, national and international speakers including Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director at the WHO.

Construction projects under way at Sligo University Hospital to increase the hospital’s Emergency Department and ICU capacity

A number of important building projects are under way at Sligo University Hospital (SUH) to increase the capacity of the hospital in preparation for seasonal increases in patient numbers over the winter and to help meet additional COVID-19 requirements.

Sligo University Hospital Awarded An Taisce Green Flag

Sligo University Hospital has been awarded the prestigious ‘Green Flag’ and becomes the second hospital in the country to attain the award from An Taisce and the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).

Upgraded Paediatric Inpatient Rooms at Sligo University Hospital

Sligo University Hospital has recently upgraded three paediatric inpatient rooms following generous funding from a number of national and local charities and individual donations. The rooms now have profiling beds, Smart TVs with DVD players, hundreds of child-friendly movies, colourful wall murals, cardiac monitors, child friendly wardrobes, PlayStations and a Nintendo Switch.

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Information for Open Water Swimmers, Surfers, Kayakers and all Cold Water Athletes

What is Surfer’s Ear?

Well for starters, it’s not just for surfers. In fact, all cold water athletes are at risk of developing the condition. Surfer’s Ear is a medical condition clinically known as External Auditory Canal Exostoses (EACE) or Exostoses, which is caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind.

Exostoses are formed in response to a continuous change of temperature within the ear canal. As cold water regularly swirls along the ear canal, the body responds by warming the affected area, this also stimulates bone-producing cells within the ear canal, which cause the bone surrounding the ear to develop a bony growth.

These benign bone growths can lead to infections, water trapping, hearing loss and complete closure of the ear canal if left untreated

The condition develops slowly over time and it may take 10 to 15 years for the symptoms to appear.

Cause?

Research shows that Surfer’s Ear is most likely in exposure to cold water below 19deg. In Ireland, the water is usually at its warmest in August and even then the average temperature ranges from 13 to 17 degrees. The bottom line is – the water in Ireland is always too cold for our ears!

Surfer's Ear Clinic

Doctors from Sligo University Hospital held a Surfer’s Ear clinic to raise awareness of the condition.         

 

 
What does Surfer’s Ear look like?

                                                                             

How do you protect your ears?

Wear earplugs.

The advice couldn’t be simpler; this truly is a practical and cost-effective way to reduce your risk of developing exostoses. Hearing loss associated with wearing earplugs was identified through our study as the main deterrent for athletes across all sporting disciplines. However, modern earplugs are not only discrete but also let sound in and keep water out.

What to do if you are worried?

Visit your GP and ask him/her to check your ears. Your GP may then refer you to your nearest hospital to see a specialist Ear Nose and Throat doctor to examine your ears further.

Research at Sligo University Hospital

A team of consultants, doctors and staff from the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department conducted a year-long project to examine Irish cold water athlete’s awareness and understanding of exostoses as well as athlete’s attitudes towards preventative measures such as wearing earplugs.

The ENT team held five “Surfer’s Ear Clinics” which examined almost 100 cold water athletes, concluding that 1 in 2 athletes had Surfer’s Ear.

The Irish Institute of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery provided Dr Seamus Boyle, ENT SpR at the hospital, with financial support in the form of a small grant to progress this research. The Institute plans to work with him to expand this project, as outlined by Professor Nash Patil in the video below:

                                                                                     

Questionnaire
Calling all triathletes, surfers, open water swimmers, sub aqua and non-water athletes –  help us with our research 'To Determine Water Athletes Awareness of Surfers Ear or Exostosis and Attitudes to wearing Ear Plugs', click here

 

Information coming soon