What are ear exostoses?
Exostoses are bony overgrowths in the ear canal. The growths develop slowly and can lead to issues with retained ear wax, ear canal skin infections, and in some cases, hearing loss. Usually exostoses occur in both ears.
Why do exostoses form?
Medical science does not know why exostoses form, but frequent exposure to cold water is a risk factor.
How common are exostoses?
People who have routine exposure to cold water and air are most likely to develop exostoses. Those at higher risk include people who enjoy water sports.
Surfers have a particularly high risk of developing exostoses. One study found that men who surfed regularly for 20 years had a 50% chance of developing significant blockages of their ear canal due to exostoses.
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Symptoms of exostoses
Most people with exostoses do not experience symptoms. But in some cases, the growths make it more difficult for water to drain out of the ear. When water gets trapped, it can lead to an infection of the external ear canal called swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). Earwax can also accumulate in the ear. Both of these conditions can lead to symptoms, such as:
- Ear pain
- Feeling of fullness in the ears
- Fluid drainage from the ear (otorrhea)
- Conductive hearing loss
Causes of exostoses
Exostoses occurs from long-term exposure to cold water, usually through outdoor activities such as:
- Diving
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Swimming
How to prevent exostoses
You can prevent exostoses by using silicone earplugs or wearing a neoprene hood during water activities. These protective devices help reduce eardrum exposure to cold water.
Doctors diagnose exostoses with a detailed medical history and ear exam. During an ear exam, your doctor uses a lighted device called an otoscope to see inside your ear. They look for bony growths around your eardrum.
Other tests your doctor may recommend include:
Hearing tests
We use a hearing test to check your ability to hear pitch and loudness. In this test, you wear headphones and listen for a range of sounds.
Imaging tests
Doctors sometimes use CT scans to assess exostoses. Usually these tests are only necessary when planning for surgery.
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Exostoses (Surfer’s Ear)
Exostoses are bony growths in your ear canal that can occur due to frequent exposure to cold water. This condition is also known as surfer’s ear.
Surfer’s ear
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exostosis treatment