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Exostosis of the external auditory canal: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Exostoses of the external auditory canal are bone outgrowths originating from the wall of the bone wall of the external auditory canal and, depending on the size, partially or completely overlapping the lumen of the external auditory canal. The development of exostoses in the external auditory meatus occurs in the first 20 years of a person's life, then the process of their formation stabilizes.
Causes. Bilateral development of exostosis of the external auditory canal, their symmetry, frequency of manifestation in members of the same family, probably should be evidence of the hereditary nature of this anatomical defect. According to some reports, exostoses of the external auditory can indicate the presence of a torpid form of congenital syphilis.
Symptoms. Small exostoses are asymptomatic. More significant, almost completely overlapping the lumen of the external auditory canal, cause a slight conductive hearing loss and may be accompanied by an ear noise. Complete overlap of the lumen of the external auditory meatus is rare, and in this case, pronounced hearing loss is seen on the affected ear.
Otoscopically, most often on the posterior surface of the bone section of the external auditory canal, one or more elevations on a wide basis covered with normal skin are revealed.
When palpated with a buttoned probe, their considerable density, characteristic for bone tissue, is revealed.
Treatment of exostoses in the external auditory canal is exclusively surgical.
It is shown only in cases where exostosis causes a decrease in hearing or is an obstacle to purulent discharge in chronic otitis media.
Exostosis can be removed in two ways: through the external auditory canal with small exostoses resting on a thin stalk, and retroauricular or endaural approach with deep and massive exostoses located on a wide base.
Exostosis should be removed within the internal bone of the external auditory meatus to prevent relapse.
Congenital and post-traumatic defects of the auricle or external auditory canal for certain indications are subject to surgical recovery, called otoplasty.
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