What are disorders of the outer ear?

 What are disorders of the outer ear?

External ear disorders are characterized by a number of ear problems that are present or occurring in the outer part of your ear, the pinna, the ear canal, and the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

 

Below are external ear disorders that can possibly cause conductive hearing loss.

 

Cerumen impaction

- A buildup of wax in the ear canal that can affect the flow of sound through the eardrum. A little wax is good for the ear canal as it lubricates and protects the ear from bacteria and insects. Excessive cerumen can cause hearing and balance problems.

 

Foreign Bodies Occlusion

Foreign bodies can be inorganic or organic such as beans or pearls, cotton tips, and even insects. It can cause trauma to the ear canal, eardrum, and even the middle ear.

 Growth of ths/Tumors

Exostoses (most common)

Exostoses are benign, bony growths covered with skin. It is most often seen in people who are repeatedly exposed to cold water (ie swimmers). They usually do not cause hearing loss as they do not normally close off the ear canal.

 

infections

External Otitis

- External otitis is commonly known as "swimmer's ear". It is usually caused by Pseudomonas bacteria. It can cause pain, swelling, discharge, itching and a conductive hearing loss due to inflammation. It is treated with antibiotics.

 

Furuncle

Furuncle is a painful infection of a hair follicle located in the ear canal. It is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Deafness can occur when the furuncle completely closes the ear canal.

 

Congenital Malformations

Microtia

Microtia is a congenital malformation in which the pinna is either small, abnormally shaped or absent. It can be only on one side or on both sides.

 

Atresia

Atresia is a malformation of the outer ear canal. It is usually on only one side and may be completely or partially closed. The range of closure directly affects that person's conductive hearing loss.

 

Many disorders of the outer ear can be easily corrected with medication, surgery, therapy, and/or the use of hearing aids. If you or someone you know has this type of disorder, it is important to see an otolaryngologist to target the cause and address the problem. The best way to increase your chances of hearing better despite these conditions is to get the proper treatment.

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