Ear canal surgery

Surgery for narrowing of the ear canal

Together with the outer ear, the ear canal forms part of the outer ear. When we hear, the outer ear directs sound waves through the ear canal to the eardrum. Narrowing (stenosis) of the ear canal can lead to hearing loss, depending on its severity.

Ear canal narrowing can be congenital, result from chronic inflammation, or take the form of bony growths (exostoses). The latter occur primarily in keen swimmers and divers. Regular exposure of the ear canal to cold water can stimulate bone growth in the ear canal.

The ear canal can be opened through surgery. This fully restores hearing and helps prevent recurrent ear canal infections.

The operation takes 1 hour; we perform it under light general anaesthesia on an outpatient or inpatient basis. Recovery takes just under 2 weeks.