Ear canal exostoses – Patient information

What are ear canal exostoses?

Ear canal exostoses, also known as swimmer's ear or bony growths in the ear canal, is a condition where bony growths (exostoses) form in the outer ear canal. These growths can be small or large and typically occur as a result of repeated irritation of the ear canal, often due to frequent swimming in cold water or other factors such as infections, inflammation, or overexposure to cold.

Causes of ear canal exostoses:

The exact causes of the formation of ear canal exostoses are not fully understood, but they are often associated with:

• Frequent swimming in cold water: Cold temperatures and constant exposure to water in the ear can stimulate the growth of bone tissue in the ear canal.
• Repeated infections or inflammations of the ear canal: Frequent or severe ear infections can lead to the formation of these bony growths as a form of protection against further irritation.
• Genetic factors: Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing ear canal exostoses, even without extensive exposure to water or cold.

Symptoms of ear canal exostoses:

Most people with ear canal exostoses have no symptoms, especially if the growths are small. However, larger exostoses can block the ear canal and lead to symptoms such as:

• Hearing loss: If the growths cause blockage of the ear canal, this can lead to partial or complete hearing loss.
• Frequent ear infections: The growths can create an environment where bacteria can more easily accumulate, which can lead to ear infections (otitis externa).
• Ear pain or discomfort: Larger exostoses can irritate the tissues of the ear canal and cause pain or a feeling of pressure in the ear.
• Water accumulation in the ear: The ear canal can become blocked, which can lead to water being trapped in the ear, increasing the risk of infections.

How is the diagnosis made?

Ear canal exostoses are usually diagnosed by an ear doctor (otorhinolaryngologist) after a thorough examination of the ear. The doctor will typically use an otoscope (a special instrument for looking into the ear canal) to assess the growths. In some cases, a CT scan may be needed to get a better picture of the growths and their size.

Treatment and surgery:

 
If ear canal exostoses require treatment, the most common solution is the surgical removal of the growths. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or, in some cases, under general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Surgery:
The surgeon carefully removes the bony growths in the ear canal. In some cases, only a small incision in the skin is required, while in other cases, more tissue may need to be removed.

Postoperative Care:
After surgery, you may experience some discomfort and will be instructed to keep your ear clean and avoid water contact for a while to prevent infections.

Rehabilitation:
In rare cases, additional treatments, such as antibiotics, may be necessary, or follow-up surgery may be needed if the growths are not completely removed.

Prevention of Ear Canal Exostoses:
Although it is not possible to completely prevent ear canal exostoses, you can take some precautions to reduce the risk of them occurring or worsening:

• Avoid prolonged swimming in cold water or using water in the ears, especially in cold environments.
• Wear earplugs while swimming or diving to protect the ear canal from water and cold.
• Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming to avoid moisture buildup in the ear canal, which can lead to infections.
• Avoid sticking objects in the ear, as this can irritate the ear canal tissue and contribute to the growth of exostoses.

When should you seek medical attention?

Contact an ear doctor if you:

• Experiencing persistent hearing loss that is not getting better.
• Have frequent ear infections or persistent ear pain.
• Notices a feeling of pressure or blockage in the ear.
• Are concerned that you may have ear canal exostoses.

Conclusion:

Ear canal exostoses are a benign condition that rarely causes serious problems. However, if they lead to hearing loss, infection, or discomfort, surgery may be necessary to remove the growths. If you have symptoms of ear canal exostoses, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment.