Supporting Local Talent | Hearing Wales
We’re Proud to Support Patrick-Langdon Dark
At Hearing Wales, we are proud to support local surfer Patrick Langdon-Dark, who has been selected for the GB Olympic training squad for 2026–2027. Supporting local talent is important to us, and we are delighted to play a small part in his journey, having sponsored him since 2021.
As an independent hearing care provider based in Wales, we are passionate about supporting individuals within our community — whether that’s helping our patients hear better every day or supporting athletes and teams performing at the highest level.
Photo credit: Mark De Boer Lloyd Surf Photography – Wales & South West Australia Surf Photography
Hearing Health in Surfing and Water Sports
Surfing places unique demands on the ears, with repeated exposure to cold water, wind and changing environmental conditions. Over time, this can affect ear health and increase the risk of hearing-related issues.
Athletes who regularly take part in water sports need to take proactive steps to protect their ears, helping to prevent long-term problems and maintain their performance.
What is Surfer’s Ear?
Surfer’s ear (also known as exostosis) is a condition caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind. This can lead to the development of bony growths within the ear canal, which may gradually narrow the ear canal over time.
This can result in:
- A blocked sensation in the ears
- Increased likelihood of water becoming trapped
- Higher risk of ear infections
- Reduced hearing in more advanced cases
Preventative care is key, and protecting the ears early can help reduce the likelihood of developing this condition.
While it is commonly associated with surfers, it can affect anyone who regularly spends time in the water, including swimmers, paddleboarders and other open water athletes.
In some cases, advanced surfer’s ear may require surgical treatment. Using hearing protection early can help reduce the likelihood of the condition progressing to the point where surgery is needed.
Custom Hearing Protection for Water Sports
At Hearing Wales, we provide custom-made hearing protection designed specifically for individuals involved in water sports.
Our swim and surf ear plugs are:
- Individually moulded for a secure and comfortable fit
- Designed to keep water out while maintaining awareness
- Suitable for surfing, swimming and open water activities
- Comfortable for regular use
Custom ear protection provides a far more effective solution than standard ear plugs, particularly for those who spend significant time in the water.
Custom vs Non-Custom Swim Ear Plugs
There are two main types of swim and surf ear plugs available — standard (non-custom) ear plugs and custom-made ear plugs.
Standard ear plugs are widely available and can offer basic protection, but they are not tailored to the shape of your ears. This can mean they may not fit securely, can let water in, or may feel uncomfortable during use.
Custom-made ear plugs, on the other hand, are individually moulded to fit your ears precisely. This provides a more secure, comfortable and reliable seal, making them a far more effective option for regular water users.
Why Choose Custom Ear Plugs?
Custom swim and surf ear plugs offer a number of advantages:
- A precise, comfortable fit tailored to your ears
- A better seal to help keep water out
- More reliable protection during regular use
- Suitable for surfing, swimming and open water activities
- Long-lasting and durable
For anyone regularly exposed to water, custom ear protection provides a significantly more effective solution than standard alternatives.
How We Make Your Custom Ear Plugs
The process of creating custom ear plugs is quick and straightforward.
Make an appointment for an ear impressions in any of the following branches:
You can now choose a date, time and location suitable for you by clicking here. Please choose ear wax removal and write in the notes ‘custom ear plugs’.
During your appointment:
- Your ears will be checked to ensure they are suitable for impressions
- If we find you have a build up of ear wax, you will be asked given advice and asked to return or we can offer ear wax removal via micro suction.
- A soft impression of your ear will be taken
- This impression is used to create your custom-made ear plugs
- Custom ear plugs are typically ready within around 10 days, and we will contact you once they are ready.
Cost of Custom Swim and Surf Ear Plugs
We offer custom-made swim and surf ear plugs starting from £89, providing a high-quality and long-lasting solution for protecting your ears in the water.
Custom ear plugs are individually moulded to your ears, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit that offers far greater protection than standard, non-custom alternatives.
For current pricing or to book an appointment, please contact our team. We will be happy to provide full details and arrange a convenient time for your fitting.
Other Types of Hearing Protection Available
In addition to swim and surf ear plugs, we also provide a range of custom hearing protection solutions for different environments and activities.
These include:
- Musician ear plugs – designed to reduce sound levels evenly while maintaining sound clarity, ideal for musicians, concert-goers and DJs
- Shooting ear protection – helps protect against sudden loud noise while maintaining awareness of surroundings
- Workplace hearing protection – suitable for noisy environments where long-term hearing protection is essential
- General noise protection – for use in loud settings such as events, travel or recreational activities
All of our hearing protection is custom-made to ensure a secure fit, comfort and effective noise reduction tailored to your needs.
Ongoing Ear Care and Support
In addition to hearing protection, maintaining good ear health is important for anyone regularly exposed to water.
At Hearing Wales, we offer the following services in addition to our private hearing aids:
- Ear wax removal using microsuction
- Hearing tests and assessments
- Advice on ear care and prevention
This ensures that any issues are identified early and managed effectively, helping to protect long-term hearing.
Supporting Our Local Community
We are proud to support individuals from across Swansea, Cardiff, West Wales and the wider Wales region, providing professional, independent hearing care.
Supporting local athletes such as Patrick reflects our commitment to the community and to promoting the importance of hearing health in all aspects of life.
Protect Your Hearing
If you regularly take part in water sports or spend time in the water, protecting your hearing is essential.
Our team can provide advice and custom hearing protection tailored to your needs.
Contact Hearing Wales to find out more about protecting your hearing, or call us on 0800 313 4304.
Recognition and Selection
Patrick Langdon-Dark’s selection for the GB Olympic training squad reflects his dedication and performance at a high level within the sport.
You can read more about his selection here:
👉 GB Surfing 2026/27 Olympic Training Squad – GB Surfing