Exostosis of External Auditory Canal Treatment in India

Olivia Brown, a 42-year-old high school...

Olivia Brown, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and avid open-water swimmer, had been experiencing a gradual, frustrating hearing loss in her right ear over two years. Initially dismissing it as wax buildup or swimmer's ear, she found herself constantly asking students to repeat themselves and turning up the TV volume. Her ear felt perpetually 'full,' and occasional, sharp pain flared during cold lake swims. After multiple courses of ear drops failed, her ENT, Dr. Chen, explained via a tympanometry test and CT scan that she had a bony growth, an exostosis or 'surfer's ear,' narrowing her canal. He recommended a canalplasty to remove the obstruction, explaining it was a common, minimally invasive procedure for active water enthusiasts. Olivia was anxious about surgery near her hearing but relieved to have a clear cause. The outpatient procedure under general anesthesia was smooth. Recovery involved a week of ear packing and strict water avoidance, with some initial tenderness. After the packing was removed, the feeling of fullness was gone. A follow-up hearing test showed significant improvement. Emotionally, Olivia moved from frustration and social withdrawal to immense relief and regained confidence, eagerly planning a cautious return to swimming with protective ear plugs.