Surfer’s Ear Treatment in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco, TX

An exostosis is a bony outgrowth that extends from the surface of normal bone.  It is commonly known as a bone spur.  It is often seen in ears with chronic cold water exposure.  For this reason it is known as surfer’s ear.  Osteomas are benign bone tumors that may occur in the ear.  They are similar to exostoses.

These lesions are usually asymptomatic and noted incidentally on examination of your ear by your primary doctor.  Asymptomatic lesions do not need any treatment.  If an exostosis or osteoma becomes large enough, it can block the ear canal.  This leads to hearing loss and ear wax impaction. In these cases, canalplasty is recommended.

Canalplasty is a procedure to remove the bony lesion and make the ear canal larger.  It is a safe and effective procedure done in a surgery center.  Patients generally notice improved hearing.  Pain is minimal and return to work occurs in a few days. 

In summary, benign bone growths of the ear canal rarely need treatment.  In cases of ear canal obstruction, canalplasty is a safe and effective surgical procedure that provides relief.