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Sub-Category:

Bone Growths

Number of Conditions: 1

Exostoses (Surfer’s Ear)

Specialty: Ear

Category: Tumors and Growths of the Ear

Sub-category: Bone Growths

Symptoms:
progressive hearing loss; frequent ear infections; water trapped in the ear; ear pain in severe cases

Root Cause:
Benign, bony outgrowths in the external auditory canal caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Otoscopic examination and CT scan to visualize the extent of bony growths.

Treatment:
Surgical removal of the bony growths (canalplasty) for symptomatic cases; ear plugs or hoods for prevention in cold-water environments.

Medications:
No direct medications for treatment; antibiotics may be prescribed for secondary infections caused by water trapping.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in surfers and cold-water swimmers; prevalence varies by region but is higher in coastal areas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Frequent exposure to cold water and wind, water sports participation, and inadequate ear protection.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with surgical treatment; recurrence can be prevented with appropriate precautions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent infections, complete ear canal obstruction, and conductive hearing loss.