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Exostoses of the external auditory canal: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Exostoses of the external auditory canal are bone growths that originate from the wall of the bone wall of the external auditory canal and, depending on their size, partially or completely block the lumen of the external auditory canal. The development of exostoses in the external auditory canal occurs in the first 20 years of a person's life, then the process of their formation stabilizes.
Causes. Bilateral development of exostoses of the external auditory canal, their symmetry, and frequency of occurrence in members of the same family should probably indicate the hereditary nature of this anatomical defect. According to some data, exostoses of the external auditory canal may indicate the presence of a torpid form of congenital syphilis.
Symptoms. Small exostoses are asymptomatic. More significant ones, almost completely blocking the lumen of the external auditory canal, cause minor conductive hearing loss and may be accompanied by tinnitus. Complete blockage of the lumen of the external auditory canal is rare, and in this case, severe hearing loss is noted in the affected ear.
Otoscopically, most often on the posterior superior wall of the bony section of the external auditory canal, one or more elevations on a wide base, covered with normal skin, are revealed.
When palpated with a button probe, their significant density is revealed, characteristic of bone tissue.
Treatment of exostoses in the external auditory canal is exclusively surgical.
It is indicated only in cases where exostosis causes hearing loss or is an obstacle to purulent discharge in chronic otitis media.
Exostoses can be removed in two ways: through the external auditory canal for small exostoses resting on a thin stalk, and by a retroauricular or endaural approach for deep and massive exostoses located on a wide base.
Exostosis should be removed within the proper bone of the external auditory canal to prevent recurrence.
Congenital and post-traumatic defects of the auricle or external auditory canal, under certain indications, are subject to surgical restoration, called otoplasty.
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