Disorders of the Outer Ear

Conductive hearing loss

Results from abnormalities of the external and/or middle ear, preventing sound from being transmitted through air, bone, or tissue.

Results from damage to the inner ear and/or auditory nerve, with no medical intervention able to help.

Sensory/neural hearing loss

A combination of conductive and sensory/neural hearing loss.

Mixed hearing loss

Closure of the external ear canal, which may also involve a malformed or missing pinna.

Atresia

A cause of conductive hearing loss; requires referral for removal before fitting hearing aids.

Impacted cerumen

Masses of tissue that grow outward from a surface; any such growth should prompt a referral.

Polyps

Osteomas

Benign bony growths in the external canal that arise from any region in the external ear canal.

Bony growths that are more likely to be bilateral and caused by prolonged exposure to cold water.

Exostoses

Prolapsed or collapsed canal

A breakdown or sag of tissue around the canal, potentially blocking the external ear canal.

Perforations in the TM

Holes in the tympanic membrane caused by infections, cholesteatoma, or trauma, requiring medical referral if drainage is present.

Monomeric spots

Spots resembling TM perforations, resulting from healed holes lacking the fibrous layer.

Tympanic membrane scarring

Results from healed perforations or recurrent infections, potentially leading to conductive hearing loss.

Tympanoaclerosis

Hardening of the tympanic membrane caused by calcium deposits, appearing opaque, white, and chalky.

Otitis externa

Inflammation of the walls of the external auditory canal.

Eczema or dermatitis

Skin conditions causing itchiness and pain in the pinna.