What is exostosis in the ear canal?

Exostosis in the ear canal refers to a bony outgrowth that occurs in the external auditory canal. This condition often arises due to repeated exposure to cold water, which explains its prevalence among individuals who participate in activities such as swimming or surfing. The bony growths are benign and can vary in size and shape. Their presence is significant as they can potentially obstruct the ear canal and lead to issues such as earwax accumulation or difficulty examining the ear canal for other conditions.

In contrast, other options such as infections, signs of hearing loss, or congenital conditions do not accurately describe exostosis. Infections relate to microbial activity resulting in inflammation, while hearing loss has more complex causes and does not specifically refer to bony growths. Congenital conditions are those present at birth, which exostosis typically is not, as it generally develops over time due to environmental factors. Thus, identifying exostosis as a bony outgrowth is essential for understanding this condition’s nature and implications in audiology and otology.