Northland's leading
ear surgery specialist
Dr David Waterhouse, FRACS, subspecialty fellowship training in Otology
Muffled hearing, water trapped in your ears, recurring infections. Surfer's ear is very treatable. David treats patients from throughout New Zealand, including professional athletes and commercial divers.
Sound familiar?
These are the signs of exostoses: bony growths that slowly narrow the ear canal.
What is surfer's ear?
Surfer's ear, or exostoses, is the slow growth of bony lumps inside the ear canal. It is caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind. Over years of surfing, diving, or paddling, the canal gradually narrows until water starts trapping, infections follow, and hearing begins to muffle.
Northland is the home of surfer's ear. We are surrounded by some of the best coastline in New Zealand, and most of our population love the water all year round. Whether you are surfing the west coast, diving the Poor Knights, spearfishing the Hen and Chickens, wing foiling the harbours, or swimming year-round, the combination of cold water and wind creates exactly the right conditions for bone growth to accelerate.
Growth is slow and painless for years. By the time most people notice symptoms, the narrowing is already well advanced. Early assessment is worthwhile. Surgery is straightforward, and most patients are back in the water within weeks.
Exostoses surgery demands both experience and technique. David performs this procedure regularly, using a minimally invasive approach that means less recovery time and a faster return to the water.
Modern, tailored surfer's ear surgery
Dr Waterhouse offers a modern, minimally invasive approach to surfer's ear surgery. In many suitable cases, exostoses can be removed through the ear canal or through a small incision at the front of the ear, avoiding the need for a traditional incision behind the ear. This means many patients do not require a healing wound behind the ear at all.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all technique, David customises the operation to each patient's ear canal anatomy, the severity and shape of the exostoses, and the patient's symptoms and goals.
He has extensive experience in the latest otology techniques, including endoscopic ear surgery, piezo microsurgery, microchisels, and coarse diamond burrs, allowing precise removal of the bony narrowing while protecting the delicate ear canal skin, eardrum, jaw joint, and facial nerve.
Most operations take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of the narrowing and the technique required.
Northland's ear surgery specialist
Dr David Waterhouse, FRACS, Subspecialty Fellowship in Otology
Dr Waterhouse is one of the highest volume exostoses surgeons in the region, having performed hundreds of successful surgeries. His minimally invasive technique means faster healing and a quicker return to the water.
David treats professional athletes, commercial divers, and everyday water lovers who simply want to hear clearly again. As a keen diver himself, he knows exactly what is at stake and what getting back to the water means.
Not based in Whangārei? No problem.
We streamline your journey so you spend less time travelling and more time in the water.
How to get seen
No referral needed. Contact us directly.
Contact us
Call, email, or fill in our contact form. You can refer yourself. Bring a current hearing test if you have one.
Assessment
David examines your ear canal, reviews your hearing test, and tells you clearly whether surgery will help.
Surgery and recovery
Day procedure under general anaesthetic. Minimally invasive technique for the fastest possible return to the water.
Common questions
Everything you need to know before getting in touch.
Ready to sort your ears?
Call us, email, or use our contact form.