Medical Professionals at Thủ Dức Hospital Successfully Reverse Unusual Ear Canal Bone Overgrowth, Restoring Hearing
Rewritten Article:
Victory Over Rare Ear Condition at Thủ Đức City Hospital
In an impressive feat, Thủ Đức City Hospital has successfully treated a rare case of External Auditory Canal Exostosis, more commonly known as "surfer's ear." This successful operation on 35-year-old patient N.T.T.T, a resident of Đōng Tháp Province, marks a significant milestone and underscores the hospital's expertise in handling complex ENT cases.
A month prior to hospital admission, patient T started experiencing bothersome symptoms such as tinnitus in her left ear, hearing loss, and discharge of cloudy fluid from the ear canal. A private medical facility examination revealed that her left external ear canal was severely blocked by an abnormal mass, amounting to over 99% obstruction.
Referred to Thủ Đức City Hospital, T was diagnosed with External Auditory Canal Exostosis, a condition less commonly found in female patients and typically associated with frequent cold water exposure. Dr. Lâm Thế Phương, deputy head of the hospital's ENT Department, confirmed the diagnosis after detailed examination and temporal bone CT scans, revealing a large, bone-density mass causing near-total obstruction of the left external ear canal.
A dense mass causes narrowing of the female patient's external auditory canal. - Photo Courtesy of the hospital
Due to the large size of the exostosis, the surgical team opted for a postauricular (behind-the-ear) approach rather than the conventional endoscopic method to preserve the ear canal skin and prevent post-operative scarring and stenosis. The surgery was conducted at the end of August 2024, followed by close monitoring with regular check-ups.
Despite a prolonged healing process, the patient's ear canal skin eventually healed completely, covering the entire ear canal. Not only was the eardrum preserved during the procedure, but the patient's hearing function was restored to normal afterward.
Although more common in men aged 30 to 40, with a prevalence in the general population of around 0.63%, this rare condition can be as high as 73% in high-risk groups such as surfers and swimmers. Dr. Phương emphasizes the importance of prevention, recommending the use of silicone earplugs and swim caps, as well as good ear hygiene to lower the risk of developing External Auditory Canal Exostosis.
"If you experience unusual symptoms in the ear such as itching, tinnitus, or persistent hearing loss, prompt medical attention is essential," Dr. Phương advises. This groundbreaking surgery not only restored normal hearing for the patient but also solidified the hospital's reputation for handling complex ENT cases.
Six months post-surgery, the female patient has normal hearing, no tinnitus, no ear pain, and no canal stenosis. - Photo Courtesy of the hospital.
Interesting Insights:
While External Auditory Canal Exostosis is more commonly found in men, women may also be affected, especially those without a history of frequent cold water exposure. It's always advisable to seek medical advice if unusual ear symptoms persist.
- The surgery conducted on the patient T at Thủ Đức City Hospital was related to External Auditory Canal Exostosis, also known as "surfer's ear."
- The patient T experienced symptoms such as tinnitus, hearing loss, and cloudy fluid discharge from the ear canal due to an abnormal mass in her left external ear canal.
- Dr. Lâm Thế Phương, deputy head of the hospital's ENT Department, revealed that the patient T had External Auditory Canal Exostosis after a detailed examination and temporal bone CT scans.
- Due to the large size of the exostosis, the surgical team at Thủ Đức City Hospital opted for a postauricular approach to preserve the ear canal skin and prevent post-operative scarring and stenosis.
- External Auditory Canal Exostosis, while less common in female patients, can have a prevalence as high as 73% in high-risk groups such as surfers and swimmers, according to Dr. Phương.
