Ear Canal Stenosis and Ear Canal Exostoses

Ear canal exostoses are bony growths in the ear canal. Swimming in cold water often causes them. Ear canal stenosis can be caused by repeated ear canal infections that cause scarring. Some children are born with stenosis. Children with exostoses and stenosis often have many ear canal infections.

A CT scan is performed to make sure that surgery can be performed.

Patients with exostoses and stenosis need a careful exam of the ear canal and eardrum with the office microscope. If surgery is considered, a CT scan helps to see how severe the stenosis is and to track the facial nerve. If patients have many ear canal infections, they may need surgery.