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The ear is the gateway to hearing, and its structure and function are particularly important. In daily clinics, doctors have repeatedly seen patients with "external auditory canal atresia". If this disease is serious, it will not only affect hearing, but also bring inconvenience to life. So today, Chen Dong, director of the Department of Otolaryngology at Shandong Provincial Otolaryngology Hospital, gave a simple popular science introduction to external auditory canal atresia.

1. Causes of External Auditory Canal Atresia

In short, external auditory canal atresia refers to the partial or complete closure of the external auditory canal (the tube connecting the auricle and the middle ear), which prevents sound from being transmitted to the middle ear and inner ear normally, thus affecting hearing. The causes of this condition are complex and varied, mainly including:

01. Genetic factors

Genetics is one of the important factors that lead to external auditory canal atresia. If there is a history of external auditory canal atresia in the family, the risk of the disease in the offspring will increase significantly. This is due to chromosomal or gene abnormalities that affect the normal development of the external auditory canal.

02. Abnormal embryonic development

During embryonic development, any slight disturbance may lead to incomplete development or atresia of the external auditory canal. For example, improper use of drugs or viral infection during pregnancy may be the cause.

03. Trauma

Acquired trauma is also a common cause of external auditory canal atresia. Severe trauma may damage the cartilage or bone of the external auditory canal, causing structural changes and leading to atresia.

2. Symptoms of external auditory canal atresia

The symptoms of external auditory canal atresia vary depending on the degree and location of the atresia, but generally manifest as hearing loss, stuffy ears, tinnitus, etc. In severe cases, the patient may completely lose hearing and experience post-traumatic symptoms such as ear pain and bleeding.

3. How to treat external auditory canal atresia?

There are several treatment options available for auditory canal atresia that aim to restore or improve hearing:

01. Tympanoplasty

This is a method of surgically reconstructing the structure of the middle ear, and is suitable for middle ear problems caused by congenital malformations. The operation is performed under a microscope and aims to remove abnormal tissue, repair the ossicular chain, etc. to restore the function of the middle ear.

02. External ear canal plasty

For hearing loss caused by acquired external auditory canal stenosis or atresia, external auditory canal plasty is an effective treatment. This surgery expands the external auditory canal by cutting the skin and peeling off the cartilage, making it easier to clean and prevent infection, thereby improving hearing.

03. Hearing aids

For patients who are not suitable for restoring and improving hearing through the above surgeries, hearing aids are an important auxiliary device, such as bone conduction hearing aids.

04. Medication

In certain cases, such as atresia caused by external ear infection, medical treatment may be necessary. Medications such as antibiotic ear drops can help reduce inflammation, control infection, and prepare for surgery or recovery.

Finally, Director Chen Dong said that although external auditory canal atresia is a complex disease, most patients can receive satisfactory treatment through scientific diagnosis and reasonable treatment. Whether it is caused by genetic factors, abnormal embryonic development or trauma, we have corresponding means to deal with it. In daily life, it is also important to maintain good ear hygiene habits and avoid using sharp objects to dig ears.