ive surfed/speared in cold water for 20yrs and have a condition (diffuse exotosis of the external auditory meatus) where the outer canal (outside of ear drum) closes up as bony growth endeavors to close to protect the drum from cold/evaporation. very common in UK. ive 90% closure of my right and 80% left. if i get my ears wet they block and i then suffer repeat infections. in the surfing community Blue tack (used to stick paper to a wall temporarily) is used as a plug. its perfect, pinch off, rub it to heat it up and push. dry as a bone. i use blue tack also for spearing (1o-30 mts ) i never get a squeaze, iether ive got perforated drums (ive seen specialists, and none mentioned this) or as my outer canal appeture is so small there is little compressive volume?. spagetti, you spear all year? winter in the med gets chilly. get a nurse (cheaper and more access) to have a look, if you got stenosis it very easy to see. my outer ear canal has not been wet since 2003, not even in shower or bath. you got to do what ever keeps you in the water.