Exostosis of the Ear Canal – Surgery for Narrowed Ear Canal

Exostosis of the ear canal is a medical term used to describe bony narrowing in the outer ear canal of unknown origin. It usually appears bilaterally, but can also occur in one ear.

Exostoses of the ear canal are most commonly found in individuals who spend a lot of time in cold water, such as swimmers and divers. This happens because exposure to cold water can irritate the outer part of the ear and stimulate the growth of bony tissue. Initially, they may not cause symptoms and can be detected during routine ear examinations.

However, if exostoses grow large enough, they can cause ear canal obstruction, ear canal inflammation with severe pain, and hearing loss. In such cases, a doctor may recommend surgical removal of the exostoses.

If you notice any changes in your ear or have symptoms such as frequent ear canal infections, hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or tinnitus (ringing in the ear), you should consult a doctor.

What is ear canal surgery?

The only solution is ear canal surgery – meatoplasty – which involves removing the bony narrowing and expanding the ear canal. Depending on the size of the exostoses, they can be removed through the ear canal or through an incision behind the ear. The ear canal skin is lifted and preserved, and the bony protrusions are meticulously drilled down using a fine drill, thereby widening the ear canal.

We are the only clinic in Croatia that uses the latest technique – ultrasonic or piezo removal of exostoses, which significantly reduces recovery time for the patient. If the condition is bilateral, surgery on the second ear is performed 3-6 months later.

Who needs ear canal surgery?

Ear canal surgery is often necessary for individuals exposed to cold water and air, such as:

• Swimmers
• Water polo players
• Surfers
• Divers

Initially, it may cause occasional ear blockage due to earwax accumulation, known as cerumen, but in its more severe form, it leads to frequent or persistent infections with severe pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

It is important to note that ear canal surgery is not always necessary, and treatment can vary depending on the individual case. The decision about whether ear canal surgery is needed should be made in consultation with an ENT specialist after a thorough examination and assessment of the medical condition.

Preparation for ear canal surgery

Preparation for ear canal surgery usually includes the following steps:

• Medical history: The doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if there are any health conditions that could affect the surgery.
• Hearing tests: Hearing tests may be conducted to assess the degree of hearing loss and whether surgery could improve hearing.
• Preoperative preparation: Meatoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, which requires an evaluation by our anesthesiologist, laboratory tests, an EKG, and spirometry.
• Discontinuation of certain medications: The doctor will advise the patient to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or anticoagulants, that may increase the risk of bleeding during the surgery.
• Personal hygiene: The patient should have clean hair and skin on the head and ear area before the surgery.

Other Instructions: The doctor will provide specific instructions regarding what the patient should do before the surgery, such as fasting for several hours before the procedure. It is important to follow all instructions to reduce the risk of complications during the surgery.

Recovery after ear canal surgery

Recovery after ear canal surgery depends on various factors, including the type of surgery, the patient’s health condition, and the anesthesia used. Generally, the skin incision is located at the entrance of the ear canal and is almost invisible.

After the surgery, the patient goes home the same day, and a plaster bandage is applied to the ear for one week. Rest or light physical activity is recommended, with a follow-up visit scheduled for 7 days later. Normal daily activities can typically resume after one week, depending on the individual situation. The ear should be protected from water for the next 2 months.

Here’s what to expect during the recovery period:

• Pain: Mild to moderate pain in the ear may occur after the surgery, which should decrease within a few days. The doctor may prescribe pain medications to alleviate discomfort.
• Bleeding: Minor bleeding from the ear may occur after the surgery. The doctor will provide instructions on how to handle this if it happens.
• Anesthesia side effects: If general anesthesia was used, you may experience nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness during the recovery period. This usually resolves within a few hours.
• Recovery time: Most patients return to normal activities within a few days after the surgery. It is important to avoid excessive straining and lifting heavy objects during the first few days.
• Follow-ups: The doctor will schedule further check-ups to monitor how the wound is healing and determine if additional treatment is needed.
• Hearing: Patients should notice an improvement in hearing after the surgery. However, it may take a few weeks for the ear to fully recover.

It is important to follow all of the doctor’s instructions regarding wound care and the recovery period to minimize the risk of complications and ensure a quicker recovery.

Cost of ear canal surgery

You can check the current price list of the Sinteza Polyclinic for more information on the cost of the procedure, contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or via email at info@sinteza.hr for more information. For direct appointment reservations, click on the link.

Service Location:

Client Documents:

• Što sve trebate znati prije operacije
• Kako se pripremiti za zahvat u općoj anesteziji