Hearing loss due to rare external auditory canal protrusion

The bone-like mass with the walls of the bony ear canal spread into the external ear canal, narrowing almost the entire left external ear canal of Ms. T. - Photo: BVCC

According to information from Thu Duc City Hospital (HCMC), Ms. NTTT (35 years old, living in Dong Thap ) has fully recovered after 6 months of monitoring since the complicated external auditory canal surgery.

About a month before being hospitalized, Ms. T. experienced tinnitus, hearing loss, and fluid leaking from her ears. After examination at a private medical facility, the doctor discovered that her left external ear canal was 99% narrowed by an abnormal mass.

After that, Ms. T. continued to go to Thu Duc City Hospital for examination and was diagnosed with external auditory canal protrusion. This condition not only affects hearing but also causes the risk of recurrent infection due to fluid and earwax accumulation.

This is a rare condition in female patients with no history of frequent exposure to cold water.

Because the bone protrusion was so large, the surgical team at the hospital operated through the back of the ear instead of the usual endoscopic intervention. The surgery took place at the end of August 2024.

After surgery, the patient was closely monitored with regular check-ups. Although the healing process of the ear canal skin took longer than expected, thanks to appropriate local care, the ear canal skin recovered completely, covering the entire external auditory canal. The eardrum was also preserved, and the patient could hear normally.

According to Dr. Lam The Phuong - Deputy Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Thu Duc City Hospital, external auditory canal protrusion is common in men aged 30 - 40, especially those who are frequently exposed to cold water such as swimmers or surfers. The incidence in the community is only about 0.63%, but can be up to 73% in high-risk groups.

"People need to pay attention to protecting their ears when exposed to cold water, especially when swimming or doing underwater activities. Using rubber earplugs and swimming caps is an effective preventive measure. When there are abnormal symptoms in the ears such as itching, tinnitus, prolonged hearing loss, you need to go to a medical facility for timely examination," Dr. Phuong advised.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/giam-thinh-luc-do-loi-xuong-ong-tai-ngoai-hiem-gap-20250423195044035.htm