2014 Volume 107 Issue 3 Pages 209-214
When the ear canal often gets exposed to cold water, it leads to the formation of a state called external auditory canal exostoses. This condition is known as surfer’s ear because it is commonly seen among surfers. We experienced seven cases of surfer’s ear from March 2008 to October 2012. All these patients were males with more than 15 years’ experience of surfing. These patients consistently complained of having ear-fullness and hearing loss. In all of these cases, a surgical approach was adopted and performed. The posterior ear incision with a trans-canal approach was chosen for all the cases.It might appear to be difficult to approach an anterior elevated exostoses in the wall of the external auditory canal via this approach, but drilling the external auditory canal in a conical shape from the posterior wall could enlarge the access very appropriately.
The method provides a wide field of view and enough space for surgical techniques; therefore it could decrease the risk of sensory hearing loss due to surgical damage.
The post surgical results of the canal formation demonstrated successful enlargement with a good shape in all the cases we have experienced.
