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. Dr Waterhouse 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, kitesurfing 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. Dr Waterhouse performs this procedure regularly, using a minimally invasive approach that means less recovery time and a faster return to the water.
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.
He 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.
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
Dr Waterhouse 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.
Ready to sort your ears?
Call us, email, or use our contact form.
Contact
Business Hours: 9am- 5pm
Consulting days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
09 553 3781
EDI: entnorth
Visit us
Inside the Allevia Kensington Hospital reception area.
12 Kensington Ave Whangarei
