Surfer's ear

Exostosis in external auditory canal

As Gehörgangsexostose ( in the English language and Surfer's ear) one occurring in the external auditory meatus new bone formation of compact bone ( exostosis ) is called, we distinguish the individual spongy osteoma of multiple exostoses occur sent compact. They sit bones on the broad base. Its origin lies on the suture petrotympanic and tympanomastoidea, the cranial sutures of the tympanic the petrous and squamosa of the temporal bone. Harrison is different in the etiology of exostoses from osteomas, while the clinical picture of osteoma should be used only for those bony tumors that have arisen without a precipitating cause.

Dissemination

Gehörgangsexostosen are among surfers are not uncommon: in a New Zealand study, they were detectable in 73% of examined athletes; at 40 % of the examined the narrowing of the canal was more than 50%. A similar frequency ( prevalence) was reported with surfers in California. But also in other water sports such as whitewater kayaking or freediving Gehörgangsexostosen may occur.

Clinical features and causes

Often there is an asymptomatic incidental finding in otoscopy. However Gehörgangsexostosen may become symptomatic by ear infections, hearing loss, ringing in the ears or ear canal laying by earwax.

It is based on probably multifactorial, but in particular the penetration of cold water into the external auditory canal is a growth stimulus for the adjacent bone tissue.

Treatment and prevention

For the operative removal of exostoses, a enauraler or retroauricular access path can be selected. Since the surgical treatment of exostoses is not rarely associated with complications, indication for surgery is made according to strict criteria. An engagement will only occur if complaints occur regularly as recurrent ear infections.

For the prevention (prophylaxis) special earplugs are available for water sports. Whether such earplugs can prevent the development of Gehörgangexostosen, is not supported by scientific studies. In a study of postoperative long-term history of water sports with symptomatic Gehörgangexostosen the use of earplugs, however, was associated with a reduced recurrence rate.

Wildlife

When living in Arctic waters hooded seal ( Cystophora cristata ) Gehörgangsexostosen are physiologically and contribute to the protection of the ear at.

Literature and sources

• Mlynski et al. Exostoses of the external auditory canal ENT. 2008; 56:410-6. PMID 17851642