Outer Ear Disorders

microtia

small pinna

anotia

absent pinna

atresia

absence or closure of ear canal opening

Can you do AC testing if there is no EAC?

No, should be able to do bone conduction.

Different types of microtia

Type I, II, III, IV

Could be an indicator of other malformations of the ear

Preauricular pits and tags

Auricular keloid

Large, round, flesh-colored ball. Common after piercing or trauma.

auricular keloid

auricular perichondritis

Swelling of the tissue surrounding the cartilage of the ear

aricular perichondritis

auricular hematoma

accumulation of blood in the subperichondrial space as a result of trauma to the pinna

Cauliflower ear

result of untreated or poorly treated auricular hematoma. Bubbling appearance of the ear.

cauliflower ear

Auricular frostbite

Tissue necrosis after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures

basal cell carcinoma

Commonly caused by excessive sunlight exposure. Most common form of skin cancer

herpes Zoster Oticus

Rash or blisters on the skin of the ear canal. Ear pain, burning sensation, vertigo, tinnitus, facial weakness, ipsilateral hearing loss

herpes zoster oticus

Exostosis

Benign bony growth in the medial portion of the ear canal (Surfer’s ear) due to cold weather. Usually multiple, bilateral, and painless.

Osteoma

Benign bony growth in the lateral portion of the ear canal. Usually singular.

Otitis Externa

Inflammatory or infection of the EAC. Redness, swelling, and thickening of the canal skin.

Otomycosis

Fungal ear infection of the EAC. Common in hot and humid areas.

Hematoma

Subepidermal collection of blood, result from direct physical trauma.

Causes of hematoma

q-tips

Otomycosis

Hematoma

Otomycosis

Otitis externa