Postinflammatory acquired atresia of the external auditory canal: treatment and results of surgery over 27 years.

Postinflammatory, acquired atresia of the external auditory meatus is a relatively rare consequence of chronic otitis media or recurrent external otitis with an annual incidence of 0.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Primary and late results after operative treatment of this condition in 53 ears over 27 years are presented. Perioperative findings are described, and an outline of applied surgical technique is given. Six patients had bilateral involvement. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2, median age at surgery was 46 years, and the median follow-up period was 5 years (range, 4 mo to 13 y). In 11% of the cases, recurrent atresia developed. Early operation is recommended, because cholesteatoma behind the atresia was found in 9%. Hearing improvement has been considerable after removal of the atresia with primary closure of airbone gap within 20 dB in 90% of the cases.